The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded a new high in passenger foot traffic during the recent holiday season, logging more than 6 million passengers from 15 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, up from 4.4 million during the same period last year.

In a statement, the PPA said it registered a record-breaking 6,281,052 passengers nationwide over the Christmas and New Year peak, the highest volume since the agency’s establishment in 1974 and a new milestone for domestic sea travel demand.

By comparison, the PPA recorded 4.7 million passengers in 2024 and 4.4 million in 2023 during the same holiday period.

The surge was attributed to several factors, including extended school and corporate breaks that allowed students and employees to travel for longer periods, particularly over consecutive long weekends.

Passenger traffic also received a boost from Malacañang Memorandum Circular No. 111, s. 2025, which declared 29 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 as additional non-working days, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to travel to their home provinces and return after the holidays.

“Initially, our estimate was 4.6 million passengers, but because of the long vacation, many of our fellowmen went to the provinces. This shows a good sign because it means many of our kababayans are utilizing ports, and they are trusting the PPA and satisfied with our facilities,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, noting the generally peaceful conduct of the peak season.

To ensure safe and orderly sea travel amid the influx, port authorities intensified security screening and enforcement of safety regulations. Several prohibited items were confiscated, including scissors, card knives, Swiss knives, bolo knives, and nails.

“Flammable items were also confiscated, such as lighters, matches, butane, and LPG,” Santiago added.

The highest passenger volume was recorded at Port Management Office (PMO) Panay/Guimaras, followed by PMO Batangas, PMO Mindoro, PMO Bohol, and PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor.

The record-breaking passenger turnout highlighted the crucial role of Philippine ports in connecting communities nationwide, setting a new benchmark for holiday sea travel and underscoring the need for continued improvements in port operations and public service.