DoTr: All hands on deck for safe Lenten travels

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has mobilized all government transport agencies in a coordinated move to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers during the Holy Week exodus, with heightened preparations at land, sea and air terminals.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon assured the public that all modes of transport will be closely monitored following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make the annual Semana Santa travels “safe and as comfortable as possible.”

“We understand the massive volume of travelers, so while we’ve made improvements, we ask for the public’s patience. There may still be some disruptions, but rest assured we are doing all we can,” Dizon said in a press briefing.

To ease the burdens of travel, Dizon said improvements have been rolled out at airport terminals, including upgraded restrooms, shower areas, massage chairs, and faster immigration and security procedures.

The DoTr is also coordinating with airport operators and the Departments of Immigration, Tourism and Migrant Workers, he said.

He highlighted the private sector’s role in managing airport operations, saying the private operators should speed up renovations and procurement. “The private sector knows how to maximize space and improve passenger flow,” he said.

Trip frequencies

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is bracing for a 3.5-percent increase in passengers, with around 1.73-million travelers expected to pass through the public seaports nationwide during Holy Week. The Batangas port alone is forecast to peak at nearly 280,000 passengers on Easter Sunday.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the rise in port travelers is partly driven by social media and Department of Tourism promotions.

“Social media plays a big role. People are discovering new, accessible destinations that they’re eager to visit,” he said during an inspection at the Batangas port.

To cope with the surge, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) issued a temporary relaxation order to allow shipping operators to adjust their schedules and increase trip frequencies.

Under the order, vessels may depart ahead of schedule once they have attained full capacity and must return to congested ports immediately after unloading — subject to clearance from port authorities.

“This proactive measure is meant to reduce delays, ease congestion, and make sure our passengers can reach their destinations safely and on time,” said Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan.

A “first-come, first-served” policy is also in place to ensure fairness in the delivery of service. Additional vessels may be deployed as needed and schedule changes will still require Marina’s confirmation.

For land travel, Land Transportation Office chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, ordered regional directors to implement road safety plans and heighten personnel visibility in major thoroughfares.

“My instruction is for proactive visibility and random inspections at bus terminals. We must ensure the roadworthiness of passenger buses,” said Mendoza, adding that surprise drug tests may be conducted on drivers and conductors.

Check vehicles

He emphasized coordination with local government units to unify Holy Week security measures. “We all need to work together so security and safety plans are in sync,” he said.

Mendoza urged motorists to check their vehicles — the engine, tires, brakes, and driver readiness — before hitting the road. “Bring patience with you. We expect traffic, and anger or road rage will not help in ensuring a safe journey,” he added.

On air travel, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has placed all 44 commercially operated airports on heightened alert as passenger traffic is expected to increase by seven to 10 percent.

CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario (ret.) said airports will operate 24/7 to manage the volume, with “malasakit help desks” set up in key terminals to assist travelers.

CAAP is coordinating with agencies such as the PNP Aviation Security Unit, Office for Transportation Security, and Civil Aeronautics Board, along with local governments and airline operators.

“We want to give time back to the people — by minimizing delays, helping passengers navigate the airports, and providing real-time support,” Del Rosario said.

All the agencies advised travelers to plan ahead, check advisories, and arrive early to avoid bottlenecks.