PPA: 71,000 passengers on December 29 beats forecast for number of travelers

The 71,000 passengers the Philippine Ports Authority logged on December 29 surpassed the PPA's forecast for the number of travelers ahead of the New Year weekend.

“Umabot po yan sa 71,000 - mas mataas po yan sa ating forecast na 50,000 lamang. Mukhang yung mga kababayan natin mas sinusulit na yung apat na araw na weekend na bakasyon para makauwi sa kanilang mga tahanan,” PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said in Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Friday.

The PPA said there were enough passenger ships to serve the travelers who would celebrate the New Year in their respective provinces.

“Malaking bagay yung mga online bookings, kesa dito sila magcloclog para bumili ng tickets. Maaga namin pinapabuksan yung passenger terminal operations para hindi magclog yung mga passengers sa labas,” Aurora Mendoza, acting port manager of PMO NCR North, said.

However, terminal fee lines were significantly long.

“Dito mo lang din masusubukan ang haba ng pasenya mo sa pilahan yun lang,” a passenger said.

The PPA advised the public to avoid bringing firecrackers, bladed weapons, and flammable items.

The agency also urged passengers to bring their vaccination cards in case these were needed at their destinations.

It also recommended passengers check the local ordinance at their destinations if they are allowed to bring animals or food.

“Mayroon po kasi tayong mga local ordinance sa bawat kanila pong lugar na pupuntahan. I-double check lang po muna natin katulad po niyan, mayroon tayong mga nakumpiska diyan sa Batangas na mga pork product saka po 'yung mga hamon noong friday dahil 'di po pupuwede sa Mindoro 'yung kanilang pork products dahil po sa ordinance na bawal po 'yung mga pork products doon dahil sa ASF,” Samonte said. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA Integrated News