Safe passage

Hey there, folks, I hope you’re all doing well. This week was a helluva ride from all the transport related accidents on the roads and even the airport. I hope we can all calm down and be responsible whenever we leave our house, of course always with a prayer for our and our loved ones’ safety.

Be it on the road on big bikes, four wheels, or on a plane or ship, may we always carry with us the responsibility of a citizen of our country. Other than the needed legislation on passenger safety, infrastructure development, and driver education and enforcement, it is essential that the government agencies, legislators, and we as citizens take part in the comprehensive reforms.

It is not a simple, one-time big-time problem that can be solved overnight; it is more than just driver education, more than stronger enforcement, more than infrastructure and transport problems alone. It means valuing Filipino lives over anything else — not profit, political issues, nor convenience. Every Filipino deserves to be safe wherever they go.

Speaking of changes, more passengers are expected to flock to the seaports as we get closer to election day. With all the videos and viral photos of the Matnog port all over the internet, yes, there’s another influx at the ports of those going home to cast their votes.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is anticipating a surge in passengers during the national and local election period from 9 to 13 May, with an estimated 1,155,238 travelers expected to pass through the major ports nationwide. This forecast reflects a 5-percent increase from the 1,100,227 passengers recorded during the 2022 election period.

While still below pre-pandemic levels — such as the 1,745,885 passengers in 2019 — the projected increase indicates a steady rebound in domestic port travel.

Particularly, the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon and the PPA Port Management Office (PMO) in Bicol have already recorded a notable increase in passenger traffic ahead of the election period. Hence, as early as 2 May, PMO Bicol sent a letter of request to the Maritime Industry Authority for additional ships due to the influx of passengers.

On regular days, the port averages around 2,000 passengers daily, but from 3 to 5 May the port has recorded over 8,500 passengers per day. According to PPA-PMO Bicol, the election season consistently marks the highest volume of both passengers and rolling cargoes, prompting the enhanced deployment of personnel and the implementation of stricter traffic and crowd management measures to ensure smooth and orderly port operations.

In fact, before the month of May, PPA general manager Jay Santiago had ordered the agency’s full readiness during this critical travel window by strengthening coordination with the Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies, and shipping lines to ensure that the ports remain safe, secure, and passenger-friendly during this election season.

For those traveling via sea, make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines at the ticket booths. Travel light to avoid the hassle of having your things inspected for security reasons. Make sure you bring bottles of water for hydration.

This is the last week before election day next week. I hope you are all settled and ready to exercise your right to vote. Choose leaders who have, not Band-aid solutions, but real investment and vision, especially for the lives of the riding public. Every Filipino deserves safe passage — for we are all in the same boat.