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PPA calls on motorists to use alternate routes to prevent Matnog port congestion during Holy Week

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has proposed alternate routes to alleviate congestion at the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon and enable faster travel for vehicles and passengers from Luzon to Visayas, particularly during the Holy Week season. 

According to Achilles Galindes, division manager of Terminal Management Office (TMO) in Matnog, motorists traveling to the Visayas can use the following alternative routes: 

Those going to Cebu may take the following routes: 

•Batangas—Masbate—Cebu 

•San Andres (Quezon)—Masbate—Cebu 

•Pio Duran (Albay)—Masbate—Cebu 

•Pilar (Sorsogon)—Mobo Port (Masbate)—Cebu;  

•Pilar (Sorsogon)—Mobo Port (Masbate)—Mintac Port (Masbate)—Cebu, and 

•Pilar (Sorsogon)—Mobo Port (Masbate)—Mintac Port (Masbate)—Polambato Port (Bogo, Cebu). 

Galindes said that due to the high demand from travelers, the Matnog—Bogo route was opened in 2021 with three trips per week. 

Only last January 28, PPA opened another path, the Matnog—Magino-o, Calbayog route. 

Passengers wait for trips at Matnog Port. Some trips are delayed due to rough seas. (PPA photo.)
Situated in the southernmost part of Luzon island, the town of Matnog serves as the gateway to Visayas and Midanao. (Contributed photo)

Galindes said the use of alternative routes will ensure uninterrupted travel of goods and passengers from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, while also decongesting the national highway leading to the Port of Matnog. 

As the gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao regions, Matnog Port services passengers and vehicles traveling to San Isidro and Allen in Northern Samar. 

Galindes said that Matnog Port usually accommodates an average of approximately 1,500 to 2,500 outbound passengers during normal days, and at least 5,000 daily including drivers and helpers during peak seasons like Holy Week, Christmas, long breaks and holidays. 

On regular days, at least 27 trips are required to accommodate all the passengers and vehicles. During peak season, at least 33 trips are necessary daily to ensure that no long queue of passengers is formed. 

On the other hand, the port caters to around 500 to 600 units of rolling cargo on normal days, while authorities expect roughly 1,000 outbound units during holiday seasons. 

Matnog Port has 15 roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vessels en route to Allen, with 27 trips per day during good weather conditions.   

However, during bad weather, the number of trips decreases to 30 and causes congestion at the docks, resulting in long queues of vehicles, with around 180 units of trucks. 

Galindes said that the port of Matnog often suffers from perennial congestion and truck queuing during peak season when a high volume of passengers arrives. 

Entrance to Matnog Port (Contributed photo)

During peak season, buses and private vehicles are given priority on a first-in and first-out basis, while the suspension of trips due to inclement weather also contributes to the build-up of travelers. 

Shipping lines on the Matnog-Allen route must strictly observe their trip schedules and port dwell times, according to Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Advisory 2023-08. 

Dwell time should not exceed three hours at Matnog Port and two hours at Allen Port. 

Marina stated in the advisory that the port time stay at Matnog should not be more than three hours and should not exceed two hours at Allen port. 

Shipping lines must also coordinate the loading of rolling cargoes and the facilitation of clearances with port authorities and other government agencies or entities well ahead of time. (PIA-5/Sorsogon)

About the Author

Benilda Recebido

Information Center Manager

Region 5

Benilda "Bennie" Recebido is the Information Center Manager of PIA Sorsogon.

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