By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
The government is preparing backup vessels, additional buses, emergency food and medical assistance for passengers who may be stranded during the “Undas” travel rush, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered agencies to strengthen security and ensure safe, orderly trips.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other agencies to prepare personnel, vehicles, and services for the expected influx of travelers at ports, airports, and land terminals nationwide.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expects 1.5 million to 2 million passengers to travel by sea during Undas. Its Oplan Biyaheng Ayos will run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3.
Recto instructed the DOTr to ensure adequate public transportation and arrange additional vehicles if regular services cannot accommodate the volume of passengers. Backup vessels may also be deployed to assist passengers stranded at ports.
The DOTr will coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure sufficient buses, particularly on routes expected to experience heavy passenger traffic.
The DSWD, meanwhile, will prepare food, drinking water, and other immediate assistance for travelers stranded because of bad weather, transport shortages, or other disruptions. The Department of Health (DOH) will deploy medical teams and provide emergency assistance.
“Ang gusto ng Pangulo, ligtas ang bawat biyahe at may agarang tulong kapag kailangan. Hindi sapat na maraming masasakyan. Dapat sigurado rin tayong ligtas ang mga pasahero sa kalsada, sa pantalan at sa mga terminal,” Recto said in a statement.
President Marcos Jr. also ordered stronger police visibility, including deploying police officers and K-9 units at major transport terminals, ports, and other busy areas, and directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify patrols, security inspections, and other measures against crime and security threats.
Drug test for drivers
Recto also asked concerned agencies to study random drug testing for public transport drivers, subject to existing laws and regulations, as a possible measure to prevent accidents.
With fuel and basic goods already costly, Recto said agencies must prevent travel disruptions from adding to the financial burden of passengers.
