WITH the onset of the Lenten season, authorities notably in Metro
Manila, have intensified their efforts to ensure safe and hassle-free
travel to the provinces and regions across the country.
Two bus drivers tested positive during a random drug test conducted at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) were apprehended as part of the government’s preparations to see to it that the travelers would reach their destinations safe.
Airport and aviation authorities, as well as the local airlines, have
increased their alert level in anticipation of the Holy Week exodus.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines ordered all
service heads and airport managers to implement 24/7 operations in all 44 airports operated by the agency.
For its part, Manila Water assures 24/7 water supply throughout the Holy Week.
Out of the 100 drivers who were tested, two were found to be positive as of 2 p.m. on Monday. Their driver’s licenses were confiscated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers.
“We want to ensure the safety of commuters using public transportation going to and from their respective provinces,” MMDA chairman Romando Artes said.
He also announced that the number coding will be suspended on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
National Capital Region police chief Brig. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. said
they are in close coordination with concerned government agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly season of Lent.
He ordered the deployment of 11,347 policemen beginning Monday while more than 2,200 traffic and emergency personnel were deployed by the MMDA on main roads and convergence points such as airports and terminals.
Also part of the Holy Week break preparations, the MMDA Special
Operations Group – Strike Force apprehended two colorum and
out-of-line vans, with passengers on board.
According to Artes, the MMDA will intensify its efforts against the
proliferation of colorum vehicles in the metropolis.
“Passengers should be careful of colorum vehicles that might take
advantage of the busy season by overcharging fares,” he said.
The MMDA Road Emergency Group will be on standby to provide roadside emergency service and assistance to the general public.
Simultaneous sidewalk-clearing operations against illegal vendors within the vicinity of major churches will also be conducted.
Ambulances and tow trucks will be prepositioned along key areas in the metropolis, while inter-agency help desks will also be put up where bus terminals and other transport hubs are located. Medics are on standby to provide medical care and first aid.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eric Jose Ines predicts a 15-percent increase in passenger volume this year compared to the 926,755 passengers that passed through NAIA Terminals from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday last year.
“Our domestic operations, in particular, have been consistently
surpassing pre-pandemic flight movement and passenger volume.
We anticipate travelers taking advantage of exploring local destinations, the ease and convenience of air travel, summer airline promotions, or simply vacationing and being with family during this time,” said Ines after he and Transportation department officials conducted an inspection at Terminal 3.
AirAsia Philippines is expecting around 100,000 guests and is focusing on safety and preparedness.
CAAP, together with local authorities, including PNP-Aviation Security
Unit (AVSEU), Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and airlines, have
worked in coordination for efficient processing of passengers, especially at the check-in counters.
Based on the data from the Aerodrome Development and Management Service, CAAP recorded 3.1 million passengers from March to April 2022, while air travelers reached 4.4 million in the same period in 2023.