Passenger traffic at ports across the Philippines surged by 37.14 percent during Holy Week 2025, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported, highlighting a strong rebound in domestic travel.
From 12 to 20 April, a total of 2.29 million passengers passed through PPA-managed ports nationwide—up from 1.67 million in the same period last year.
According to PPA general manager Jay Santiago, the increase was driven by the convergence of the Holy Week holiday and the summer break, alongside successful tourism promotions that encouraged more Filipinos to travel locally.
“We salute the dedication of our frontliners and partners in the maritime sector who remained on duty while many Filipinos went on vacation,” Santiago said. He also credited the success of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025 to the cooperation of port stakeholders, government agencies, and the traveling public.
The busiest ports during the period included PMO Batangas, PMO Panay/Guimaras, PMO Mindoro, PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor, and PMO Bohol, especially during peak days such as Holy Wednesday and Holy Thursday.
To prepare for increasing passenger volumes in the future, the PPA plans to continue enhancing coordination with shipping lines and upgrading port traffic management. A major focus is the rollout of the Electronic Terminal Management System (ETMS)—a key project prioritized by transportation secretary Vince Dizon, aimed at reducing queues through digital ticketing.
“Within the year, ETMS will be up and running. Once e-ticketing is in place, long lines will be a thing of the past,” Dizon said.
As demand for sea travel continues to rise, the PPA assured the public of its commitment to maintaining smooth operations, especially during holiday peaks.
