No rush yet at Batangas Port ahead of Undas exodus

BATANGAS CITY — Authorities at the Batangas Port are preparing for the expected surge of travelers for the Undas holiday, even as passenger traffic remains light, allowing travelers bound for MIMAROPA and parts of the Visayas to enjoy relatively hassle-free trips.

Ticketing booths at the port’s Passenger Terminal Building have yet to see long queues, while seats in the departure area remain largely vacant.

Eric Lacerna, who was traveling to Caticlan, said he had no difficulty purchasing a ticket. 

“Smooth and comfortable. Batangas Port is good,” he said.

The Port Management Office (PMO) Batangas recorded 10,698 passengers on Thursday. As of noon Friday, around 5,700 passengers had passed through the port, Port Manager Aurora Mendoza said.

Despite the lower turnout, Mendoza said authorities remain on alert for a possible influx of passengers in the coming days, particularly as government offices suspend work and more employees begin their holiday break.

“We are still monitoring the situation, especially since Monday is also a non-working day,” she said.

Mendoza cited high fares and the country’s economic situation as possible factors behind the slower passenger arrivals.

As part of its preparations, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) continues to implement its Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS) to help passengers secure ticket reservations ahead of their trips.

Passengers must register through the system and present their reservation to PPA personnel for verification before purchasing tickets from shipping lines.

To ensure the process remains accessible, port personnel are also on standby to assist passengers who lack internet access or are unfamiliar with online registration.

“Passengers only need to register. But for those who are not familiar with the process or do not have internet access, we have personnel on standby to assist them,” Mendoza said.

The PMO Batangas said shipping lines have assured authorities that sufficient vessels are available to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger volume during the Undas travel period.