PPA records over 857K passengers during Lenten break, expects 1.73M for Holy Week

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded over 857,000 passengers from April 12 to 14 across all its ports nationwide during the Lenten break.

The PPA expects at least 1.73 million passengers for Holy Week, slightly higher than last year's 1.67 million, with Panay and Guimaras among the busiest areas due to daily averages surpassing 13,000 passengers and potentially reaching over 20,000 during peak times.

PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte noted that Batangas, Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, Negros Oriental/Siquijor, and Bohol are the top five ports in terms of passenger traffic.

The PPA has mobilized additional personnel and enhanced terminal operations to ensure smooth travel during peak seasons, while also preparing an online ticketing system for key provincial terminals by year-end to improve passenger experience.

To help ease congestion and avoid delays, Samonte advised travelers to book their tickets early and arrive at ports at least three hours before departure.