DOTR READY FOR ’UNDAS’

THE country’s transport sector is prepared for the expected influx of passengers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this week.

At a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies made all necessary preparations in anticipation of the increased volume of travelers at airports, seaports, and bus terminals.

“Ang Department of Transportation together with the other attached agencies – ang CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority), MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority), and Cebu International Airport – we are getting ready for the Undas Biyahe,” Bautista told reporters.

“Every year we have this Oplan Biyaheng Ayos para sa ating mga mananakay. So, ready tayo. Katulong din natin diyan ang Philippine Coast Guard,” he added.

According to Bautista, “millions” of passengers are expected to travel to various provinces this week.

“Actually, millions ‘yung tinitingnan natin. Every year naman millions ‘yung estimate natin. Siguro ‘yun lang bus passengers lang natin aabutin ‘yan mga 1 to 1.5 million passengers. Airports and seaports siguro easy diyan mga three million ang magbi-biyahe,” he said.

Bautista said all airports and seaports in the country are currently operational despite the impact of severe tropical storm Kristine.

However, some minor seaports in Regions IV-A and V sustained damages worth around P100 million due to the storm.