Sea trips to peak on Dec. 22 - port authorities

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sea trips may peak on Sunday, Dec. 22, as people take advantage of the Christmas break to be with relatives in the provinces, the Philippine Ports Authority said.

At the sidelines of the inspection of the North Port Passenger terminal in Manila on Friday, Dec. 20., port authorities said 4.5 million passengers are expected nationwide during the holidays.

Trips at Manila’s domestic terminal have been fully booked until Dec. 23, with operations to resume on Dec. 26.

In an interview, Mark Palomar, PPA assistant general manager for operations, advised passengers to arrive at ports earlier than their departure time.

“Dito sa North Port eight hours before, pwede na sila pumasok sa mga pantalan natin…If they can get early maghintay na lang sila sa passenger terminals natin,” he said.

[Translation: Here at North Port, it's eight hours before, so they can already enter our ports. If they arrive early, they can just wait at our passenger terminals]

While trips are on schedule despite the low pressure area, the port management said it is ready to assist passengers who might get stranded.

The PPA unveiled on Friday its upgraded facilities including new x-ray machines, nursing room, and an area designated for persons with disabilities.