CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Port of Calapan, a key gateway connecting Mindoro to other parts of the Philippines, has a steady flow of passengers and cargo traffic this Christmas season, with operations running smoothly despite the seasonal influx.
As of Christmas week, the port’s management has reported minimal delays, with ferry schedules largely operating on time, the Philippine Ports Authority said in a social media post.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local authorities have been ensuring that safety protocols are followed, given the higher number of travelers expected during the holidays.
Security checks, including baggage inspections and vessel safety requirements, have been heightened to protect passengers and goods.
The PPA said that the port authorities have been on alert for any potential bottlenecks, with additional personnel deployed to manage crowd control, ticketing, and boarding procedures. Despite this uptick, operations remained orderly.
Due to the heavy rainfall caused by the shear line and trough of tropical depression this past week, authorities have been closely monitoring the weather to ensure the safety of all maritime operations. The PCG and port officials have emphasized safety, particularly regarding maritime weather conditions.
With the New Year approaching, officials are anticipating another surge in traffic, though the measures in place so far have shown promise in managing the increased demand. The PPA is urging passengers to arrive early to avoid delays and ensure smoother travel as the festive season continues.
The Port of Calapan is expected to maintain its normal operations until the end of the holiday season, with additional shifts and staffing in place to keep things running efficiently. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
