Holy Week travel surge, 15K departures at Batangas Port on Sunday

Travelers began heading to the provinces via Batangas Port over the weekend and continued on Monday, April 14, in anticipation of increased passenger traffic during Holy Week.

On Sunday evening, the port reported 15,000 departing and 5,000 arriving passengers, prompting coordination between the operator and government agencies like DOTr and MARINA to issue special permits for additional trips.

Batangas Port manager Joselito Sinocruz expressed concern over potential shortages of ships if passenger numbers do not decrease, noting a high demand for travel to destinations such as Odiongan.

On Monday, about 5,000 passengers traveled via Batangas Port, surpassing the usual 1,000 count during ordinary Mondays but falling short of Sunday's volume.

Port officials secured additional ships contingent on securing special permits and urged early booking to avoid delays; trips to Caticlan are fully booked until Wednesday, April 16, while those from Batangas to Roxas City via Sibuyan, Romblon are booked until Saturday, April 19.