The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has projected a significant surge in passenger traffic this Holy Week, with an estimated 1.73 million travelers expected across the nation’s ports from April 14-20, 2025. This marks an increase from last year’s 1.67 million.
Batangas Port is forecast to handle the most volume, with daily passenger numbers reaching 20,000-25,000 at the peak. The Port Management Offices (PMOs) of Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, Negros Oriental/Siquijor, and Bohol are also among the busiest, accommodating thousands of travelers.
The first three weeks of March alone saw 3,027,881 passengers on the move, averaging 1,009,294 a week. With the Lenten season coinciding with the hot months, PPA general manager Jay Santiago expects this year’s numbers to come close to pre-pandemic levels.
“We are prepared for the increased number of passengers this Holy Week, especially with the extended holidays and more Filipinos choosing sea travel to visit family, pilgrimage sites, and vacation spots,” Santiago said.
To ensure smooth operations, the PPA has mobilized additional personnel, improved terminal facilities, and conducted maintenance checks on critical infrastructure, including power and water systems. Measures to maintain safety and security include deploying port police and optimizing crowd control systems. The PPA is also taking proactive steps to combat the effects of El Niño and rising temperatures, ensuring passenger comfort and safety.
Santiago advised travelers to book tickets early and allow extra time for travel to avoid delays, stressing that safety remains the PPA’s top priority amid the surge in passenger numbers.
