PITX: More Pinoys travel on April 9 holiday ahead of Holy Week 2025

Transport hub Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) reported an expected increase in commuters on Wednesday, the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) holiday, compared to last year but projected the number to continue growing as the country heads into the Holy Week break.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, PITX Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Kolyn Calbasa said the expected 2.3 million passengers this year is higher than last year's 1.8 million.

The period covers the days before Holy Week—starting on Araw ng Kagitingan this year—until after the Lenten Season when travelers return from provinces.

Many trips at the PITX were already fully booked as early as Monday, but bulk of the travelers are expected on Holy Monday to Maundy Thursday, or April 14 to 17, 2025.

As of Wednesday, the PITX's daily average commuter volume continued to rise.

"Nasa 150,000 na po tayo. So dahil simula na po ng mga biyahero natin papuntang probinsya, ay inaasahan po natin na 160,000 po ang magiging average natin for today," Calbasa said.

(We're now at a daily average of 150,000 commuters. As there are more travelers heading to their provinces, we expect that the average would hit 160,000 today.)

With the steady increase in passenger volume, Calbasa assured that the PITX was taking measures to ensure commuters' safety and convenience.

Additional waiting areas have been set up at the second floor where most commuters await their trips, some of which roll out as early as 3 a.m.

Although some bus trips are already fully booked, Calbasa assured that the PITX is ready to accommodate chance passengers.

She said PITX has been coordinating with bus companies for the possible deployment of additional buses, or requesting of permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reallocate units for other routes.

To assure the safety of public vehicles, Calbasa said, "Patuloy naman po ang coordination natin with LTO (Land Transportation Office) and DOTr (Department of Transportation) in terms of roadworthiness ng mga buses. So may ico-conduct po silang special, or, suprise inspections in terms sa buses natin at siyempre ang kalagayan ng ating mga drivers bago sila bumiyahe."

(We are continuously coordinating with the LTO and DOTr in terms of roadworthiness of buses. They will conduct special, or surprise inspections of these buses and, of course, the bus drivers before they travel.)

She advised travelers planning trips to the provinces for the Holy Week to purchase tickets early and avoid the last-minute rush.

Sharp objects, flammable items, and firearms are strictly prohibited at the terminal. Calbasa said, "Kapag na-confiscate po iyan, di niyo na po makukuha 'yan dahil itu-turn over po namin yan sa PNP (Philippine National Police)."

(If these are confiscated, you will no longer be able to retrieve them because we will turn these over to the PNP.)

Under Proclamation 727 issued by Malacañang, April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) are regular holidays. Meanwhile, April 19 (Black Saturday) has been declared a special non-working day. — VDV, GMA Integrated News