PPA plans digital upgrade kickoff

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will push ahead with its digitalization plan to ensure smoother port operations, especially as more Filipinos turn to sea travel during peak holidays.

To help manage the growing passenger volume, the PPA confirmed on Monday that it is preparing to launch the Electronic Terminal Management System (ETMS), a key part of its digitalization push that will automate port transactions by the end of the year.

“We will roll that out within the next few months or this year. If we have e-ticketing, we can finally reduce lines at the ports,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon said.

According to the latest PPA data, Holy Week passenger traffic reached over 2.29 million — a 37.14 percent jump from last year’s numbers, reflecting the growing appeal of maritime travel.

The PPA said 2,291,666 travelers passed through PPA-managed ports from 12 to 20 April, up from 1,670,984 during the same period in 2024.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago attributed the surge to the convergence of the Lenten break with summer vacation, alongside intensified efforts to promote domestic tourism.