(Infographic courtesy of PCG)
MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recorded a significant increase both in outbound and inbound port passenger traffic nationwide a day after Easter Sunday.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the PCG said a total of 37,519 outbound passengers and 36,704 inbound passengers were monitored on Monday.
“Compared to the consolidated report on 04 April 2021 (Sunday), the number of outbound passengers increased by 8,458 (29 percent), while the number of inbound passengers also increased by 12,683 (53 percent),” the PCG said.
It said coast guard personnel in 15 different PCG districts have inspected a total of 658 vessels and 622 motor bancas, an increase of 7 percent for vessels and 23 percent for motor bancas compared to the previous consolidated report of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa & Summer Vacation 2021 (Oplan Biyaheng Ayos).
The PCG encouraged the riding public to contact the agency through its Facebook page or the Coast Guard Public Affairs hotline at 0927 560 7729 for any questions or concerns on sea travel during this year’s summer season.
On March 26, the DOTr launched Oplan Biyaheng Ayos—placing PCG districts, stations, and sub-stations on “heightened alert” to manage the expected increase in port passenger traffic especially those of returning overseas Filipinos, authorized persons outside of residence (APOR), and other essential travelers from March 28 up to the end of summer vacation on May 31.
Through the program, the PCG will provide additional terminal facilities for passenger comfort while the increased presence of PCG personnel in ports ensures readiness in cases of emergency and the enforcement of minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and face shields. (PNA)
