The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to speed up the deployment of additional passenger ships at Lucena ports to uuuaddress the growing number of travelers heading to Romblon for Christmas.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the move follows instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure enough ships are available so passengers can return home to their families during the holidays. The DOTr received complaints from travelers who have been unable to board ferries due to long queues and a lack of vessels.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) had earlier urged MARINA to allow more ships on the route in anticipation of the holiday surge. Bautista criticized the lack of preparation, saying the annual holiday rush should have been planned for and that passenger comfort and convenience must always be a priority. He also ordered MARINA to explain why the shortage was not anticipated.
In addition to deploying more ships, Bautista directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to place a vessel on standby to provide free rides to stranded passengers if needed. A newly arrived ship with a 900-passenger capacity is set to accommodate travelers bound for Marinduque, while the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang is being readied to assist passengers going to Romblon if regular ships remain insufficient.
