PPA launches test run of online registration system in Batangas, Lucena ports

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) began the test run of the Online Registration Assistance System (ORAS) at Batangas Port and Lucena Port which allows passengers to check first if there are available trips before arriving in sea ports. 

According to Bam Alegre’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, if a passenger doesn't have a ticket yet, they need to scan the QR code to see which trips are currently available.

But for passengers without online access, there is a help desk they can go to.

“Our people who are traveling need to have assurance—certainty about the vessel they are boarding, the date, the time, and the guarantee that they will safely reach their destination,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago. 

According to PPA, during the same period last year, Holy Monday, there were between 24,000 and 25,000 passengers in Batangas Port. Currently, their estimate is around 17,000 to 19,000 passengers, a 10% decrease.

“We anticipate that passenger turnover will be somewhat slow since some shipping lines have reduced their trips. We’ve also received reports that some shipping lines have slowed down their travel speed to save on fuel,” said Santiago. 

College student Anton Cornejo would have preferred not to travel to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro due to the fare increase. But he is willing to spend just to see his family again. 

“As for the ferry it used to be only ₱400, but now it’s ₱480. It comes out of my own pocket, so it’s a big deduction,” he said. 

Meanwhile, a group of friends still pushed through with their trip to Puerto Galera despite the situation. 

“The fares are still okay, even though it's the holidays and gas prices are rising,” said Ram Capanpan. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News