Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to fast track the deployment of additional vessels at Lucena ports to accommodate a surge of passengers traveling to Romblon for the Christmas holidays.
The directive follows instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure an adequate supply of passenger ships for the holiday rush.
Lopez noted that his office has received numerous complaints regarding long queues and insufficient ferry capacity for the Lucena-to-Romblon route.
He said the Philippine Ports Authority alerted MARINA several days ago to permit more ships to operate on the route in anticipation of the seasonal influx. Bautista expressed frustration over the lack of preparation, adding that the holiday rush is a predictable annual event that should have been managed through better advance planning.
Lopez said MARINA would be required to explain the lack of foresight, noting that an investigation is necessary to address the inconvenience caused to travelers.
He said his standing instructions have always prioritized the comfort and convenience of passengers across all modes of transportation.
Bautista also directed the Philippine Coast Guard to place vessels on standby to provide free rides to stranded passengers when necessary.
Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has been instructed to prepare the BRP Gabriela Silang for deployment to Romblon if commercial capacity remains insufficient.
While Romblon remains a primary concern, Bautista reported that 600 passengers bound for Marinduque at the Lucena port are expected to be accommodated by a newly arrived vessel with a 900-passenger capacity.
