The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its line agencies have made necessary preparations in the transport sector as Filipinos are expected to troop to provinces for the commemoration of All Saints’ Day on November 1.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier has ordered agencies under the aviation, railway, maritime and road sectors to prepare and guarantee the safety and comfort of passengers with many Filipinos expected to flock cemeteries and other tourism sites over the weekend.
“We have ordered all sectors and attached agencies under the DOTr to ensure that passengers can comfortably and safely return to their provinces as they observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days this 2022,” Secretary Bautista said.
With the expected influx of passengers, more personnel will be deployed at the airports, rail lines, seaports and roads to accommodate passenger concerns, Secretary Bautista added.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) had already requested additional deployment of personnel from airline stakeholders in order to accommodate the increase in travelers. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), meanwhile, will deploy units to assist passengers at the Oplan Help desks.
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS), on the other hand, ordered enhanced security measures across all transportation facilities such as airports, seaports, bus terminals and rail stations.
Meanwhile, rail lines Philippine National Railways (PNR), LRT-1 and LRT-2, and MRT-3 will continue to operate on regular hours to service more passengers.
The LRT-1 continue to serve passengers from 4:30AM, with the last commercial train from Baclaran leaving at 9:15PM and Balintawak is at 9:30PM. The LRT-2 will start commercial service at 5AM at both Antipolo and Recto Stations with the last commercial train from Antipolo to depart at 9PM and 9:30PM for Recto.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had directed its operating units and other personnel to be on “heightened alert” in the country’s western and eastern seaboards, as well as inter-island routes to ensure maritime security and safety.
The PCG will likewise deploy deployable response groups (DRGs) and PCG Auxiliary volunteers to augment regular personnel.
On the other hand, additional buses and jeepneys will be deployed to accommodate more passengers, according to Secretary Bautista.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also deploy personnel at Integrated Terminal Exchanges (ITX), terminals and other major thoroughfares to ensure efficient flow of vehicles.
The DOTr will still be enforcing strict compliance of minimum health protocols within enclosed areas of transport terminals and facilities, while sectoral Malasakit or Oplan Help Desks will be available to assist passengers and travelers.
