The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday, March 29, that around 390,000 passengers have already passed through seaports nationwide as travel activity for Holy Week begins to intensify.
PCG spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab said the busiest ports so far are located in Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Oriental Mindoro.
“Last year, we monitored nearly three million passengers throughout the Lenten Season. This year, the PCG expects the surge of passengers at ports to happen by Tuesday afternoon (March 31) because many of our fellow citizens will still report for work on Monday and Tuesday,” Cayabyab explained.
She added that all 16 PCG districts have been placed on heightened alert from March 28 to April 5 under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026, the government’s annual initiative to secure transport hubs during peak travel periods.
Despite concerns over rising fuel costs and global tensions, the PCG noted that travel demand remains strong.
“We see that it is not significantly affected. This weekend, many people are still flocking to coastal beaches,” she said.
“This is where we see a significant increase in travelers, and since this is an anticipated vacation for many, the PCG sees that the numbers are still hovering close to the nearly three million we monitored last year,” she added.
Authorities have also tightened safety protocols as passenger volume increases.
The PCG said inspections now focus on vessel documentation and passenger limits, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
“We have intensified the conduct of inspections, and we have coordinated with the PPA and MARINA, particularly in inspecting all vessels. We will not allow any ship or motorboat to sail if it only presents a receipt to inspectors,” Cayabyab stressed.
She also underscored that overloading will not be tolerated, citing the tragic sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan last January 26.
“We will ensure that no ship or motorboat will be allowed to depart if it is carrying passengers beyond its capacity,” she said.
The PCG advised travelers to monitor its official channels for updates on sea travel protocols as the Holy Week rush continues in the coming days.