Travelers start to flock terminals for BSKE, Undas break

Travelers on Friday have started to flock to terminals, airports, and seaports amid the long weekend due to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) and observance of Undas.

In Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), some of the passengers arrived as early as 1 a.m. for their 9 a.m. trip, according to a report of Mariz Umali on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.

PITX corporate affairs and government relations head Jason Salvador said the terminal is expecting a total of 1.6 million passengers from October 27 to November 6.

The peak of the influx of passengers is expected on October 30 and 31, he added.

Despite the increase in passengers, Salvador said walk-in passengers can still book a trip as the terminal has prepared additional bus units for the holidays.

He said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will immediately issue special permits to more buses if needed.

To secure the safety of the trips, Salvador said the Land Transportation Office has been checking the roadworthiness of the buses.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, passengers also trooped early in the morning, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.

Amid the expected influx of passengers, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said they can maintain the on-time performance of the airport during the BSKE and Undas season.

Around 1 million passengers are expected to arrive in NAIA, the MIAA said.

Meanwhile, in Batangas Port, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said 17,000 to 20,000 passengers are expected for the long weekend.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said that there are enough ships despite the anticipated increase of passengers.

Relaxation order will be imposed on shipping lines from October 27 to November 6, according to MARINA.

Help desks are already set up at the Batangas port to assist passengers. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, meanwhile, said more personnel will be designated at airports, rail lines, sea ports and roads to accommodate passenger concerns.

The Philippine National Railways, LRT-1 and LRT-2, and MRT-3 will continue to operate during regular hours to service more passengers.

To ensure maritime security and safety, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on "heightened alert”.

The LTFRB  and LTO will also deploy personnel at Integrated Terminal Exchanges (ITX), terminals, and other major thoroughfares to ensure the efficient flow of vehicles, according to the Transportation Department. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News