Asean long weekend draws more passengers to Southern Luzon ports

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Seaports in Batangas and Southern Luzon recorded increased passenger traffic on Saturday, Nov. 14, as travelers headed to their home provinces and tourist destinations ahead of the extended holiday declared for the Asean Summit, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Batangas Port recorded 10,593 passengers as of noon on Saturday, up 13 percent from approximately 9,000 during the same period on previous days, the PPA said.

The Port of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro logged 3,350 passengers, consisting of 1,218 outbound and 2,132 inbound travelers. It also recorded 871 rolling cargoes, including 281 outbound and 590 inbound.

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Meanwhile, Lucena Baseport registered 1,920 passengers, while the Terminal Management Office (TMO) Balanacan in Marinduque recorded 1,685.

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Despite the increase in passenger volume, port operations remained normal, with personnel and port police deployed to maintain order and assist travelers.

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PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said port authorities had prepared early for the long weekend after monitoring relatively low passenger turnout during the Undas holiday.

“We made early preparations, particularly after monitoring passenger movement during Undas. We are ensuring smooth port operations and that our personnel are ready to provide the necessary assistance to make every passenger’s journey safe, convenient, and orderly,” Santiago said.

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The Port Management Office (PMO) Batangas also continued monitoring passenger movement at the Batangas Passenger Terminal, with personnel and port police on standby to assist travelers and ensure orderly operations.

The PPA urged passengers to arrive at ports early and observe existing safety and security regulations.

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Passenger terminals offer air-conditioned waiting areas, food establishments, free Wi-Fi, charging stations and passenger assistance services to improve travelers’ experience.

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The agency also encouraged Filipinos to explore local tourist destinations accessible by sea during the extended holiday.

From the Port of Calapan, travelers can visit Puerto Galera, Tamaraw Falls and other natural attractions in Oriental Mindoro. Batangas Port serves as a major gateway to Oriental Mindoro and other islands in Southern Luzon.

Other destinations promoted by the PPA include Poctoy White Beach and the Tres Reyes Islands in Marinduque, as well as the historic town of Boac, which is accessible through connections via Lucena.

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The PPA said it would continue improving port facilities and services to support safe and comfortable sea travel, as well as boost tourism and connectivity among the country’s island communities. /mcm