Lenten travelers by port hit 2.3 million

MANILA, Philippines — Ports across the country facilitated the travel of 2.3 million Filipinos during Holy Week, marking an increase of 37 percent from the previous year.

Based on data from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), passenger traffic in ports jumped to 2.29 million from April 12 to 20, from 1.67 million last year.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the busiest ports during Lent were Batangas, Panay, Mindoro, Negros Oriental and Bohol.

The PPA recorded the highest traffic on Easter Sunday and Holy Wednesday.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon directed Santiago to get the e-ticketing system up and running within the year.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, operator New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) saw a 14-percent increase in domestic travel and 11-percent hike in international trips during Holy Week.

The NAIA recorded 1.17 million passengers from April 13 to 20, driven by the demand for local and international flights.

NNIC president Ramon Ang said the operator worked with authorities in ensuring the efficiency of airport operations despite higher passenger volume.

Ang committed to intensify efforts to upgrade the NAIA as part of its P170.6-billion concession to rehabilitate the country’s main gateway.

“We saw higher passenger numbers, but smoother and faster operations. That is not by chance. It is the result of planning, investment and teamwork,” Ang said.

Over 1.9 million passengers traveled through the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. - EJ Macababbad