By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) laid out its preparations in anticipation of an influx of passengers this coming Holy Week through its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.”
PPA expects a significant surge in travelers this year, which may reach 1.73 million passengers; this is 3.5% higher than 1.67 million vacationers that traveled through various ports nationwide in 2024.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago anticipates a significant rise in passenger volume this year due to increased sea travel among Filipinos for province visits, pilgrimage sites, and vacations.
“We are prepared for the increased number of passengers this Holy Week 2025, especially as the Lenten Season coincides with summer. Most of our local travelers are really taking advantage of these long days of day-off and for some tourists, it is also a great time to explore our islands via sea travel,” Santiago said.
Meanwhile, PPA has also conducted maintenance checks on critical infrastructure, including standby generator sets, water systems, and ventilation, to mitigate the effects of El Niño and rising temperatures this Lenten season.
The agency has also taken measures such as mobilization of additional personnel, inspection of security and safety equipment, and deployment of port police to accommodate crowds of passengers embarking and disembarking from ports and harbors across the archipelago.
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