As Holy Week approaches, bus terminals and ports in Luzon are gearing up for the expected influx of travelers for vacation or homecoming.
ILOCOS NORTE
Bus terminals in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte will operate hourly trips, with the first trip departing as early as 1:00 a.m. and the last trip at 11:30 p.m..
The earliest trip bound for Cagayan is scheduled at 5:30 a.m..
Bus operators do not anticipate any fare hike, with fares ranging from P1,000 to P1,300 for routes originating from the National Capital Region (NCR) to Ilocos Norte.
To ensure the safety and security of passengers, buses undergo early inspections.
"Nakahanda na kasi lahat ng mga sasakyan namin, pinagawa namin lahat- mga sirang gulong pinapalitan namin, pati mga salamin. open na lahat ng mga cctv namin napagawa na namin. may guard din para sa safety ng mga pasahero," Johnny Ipac, a terminal bus master and dispatcher, said.
One passenger, Berlin Antonio, shared that he and his grandchild are traveling early to Nueva Vizcaya to avoid the expected rush during Holy Week.
"Oo kasi mahirap na ang sumakay sa holy week, matagal na kaming hindi bumiyahe, ngayon lang ulit," Antonio said.
Meanwhile, bus companies are prepared to deploy additional buses as needed, particularly for trips to Pagudpud, known for its Saud Beach.
Resort operators in Pagudpud have reported an increase in weekend visitors, with reservations already made for Holy Week.
CAMARINES SUR
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard substation in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, is on high alert and has implemented Operation Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2024.
The Philippine Coast Guard in Pasacao has been placed on red alert status, with personnel instructed to remain on duty and not to take a leave of absence.
Personnel, including auxiliary volunteers, rescuers, seaborne patrol units, and medical staff, have been mobilized to ensure the safety and security of passengers during the Holy Week.
Authorities have also issued reminders to passengers regarding prohibited items at the port, including alcohol, bladed and deadly weapons, flammable items, and other illegal contraband.
"May K-9 po tayo dito, may explosives saka drugs para sa doon sa mga kargamentong binabiyahe papuntang kabilang isla na masiguro natin na walang mga illegal na maipupuslit," CG CPO Emerson Libreja, the Commander of Coast Guard Substation Pasacao, said.
As of this writing, shipping lines operating to and from Burias Island maintain a regular schedule, offering one trip per day to accommodate travelers.
BATANGAS
In Batangas, the Transportation Development and Regulatory Office (TDRO) assured that there will be no disruption in bus services during the Holy Week.
Many augmentation teams will be deployed to assist in managing the increased volume of passengers.
Jeepney drivers said they will operate without fare increases.
"Walang masasakyan [ang mga pasahero] kapag tumigil, walang masasakyan ang mga pasahero. Baka lalakas lakas ang biyahe," Juanito Montalbo, a jeepney driver, said.
The Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association also assured that there will be enough tricycles available, despite some tricycle drivers opting not to operate.
"Bibiyahe pa rin po ako dahil wala rin naman pong kuwan, dapat bumiyahe. Pagdating ng alas tres 'yan, tigil na rin ako," Alex Arbes, a tricycle driver, said.
"Hindi muna po. Kung maaari po'y mga one week po, pero kung talaga't kailangan, siguro'y hanggang martes bibiyahe," Joel Montalbo, another tricycle driver, said.
There will be no rerouting schemes in Batangas City for the Visita Iglesia according to city authorities. However, they expect heavy traffic along the national highway.
Over 180 TDRO personnel will be deployed across the city.
(with reports from Gab De Luna, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, Cris Novelo, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia, and Paul Hernandez, GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog)
