The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it expects around four million Filipinos to travel through the country’s seaports this Christmas season.

This is lower than the over five million passengers it projected last year.

“We’re computing also the dates, parang maiksi din kasi ‘yung Christmas break natin. If you look at the weekends, hindi nagka-carry over eh,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago.

Nevertheless, Santiago said the PPA will still implement all-hands-on-deck preparations for the expected exodus.

“Starting December 22 to January 3, no leaves will be approved. Full manpower complement tayo sa mga terminals natin. ‘Yung mga terminals natin, they are in coordination with shipping lines para masigurado ‘yung mga schedule ng mga barko. They are in coordination with the PCG [Philippine Coast Guard], with the Marina [Maritime Industry Authority] also,” he said.

He added that there are protocols in place in case of bad weather.

“Alam na ng mga personnel natin sa terminals natin what they should do and what assistance they should extend sa mga kababayan who may be stranded,” he said.

Santiago also advised passengers to book their tickets early and, if possible, to pack light to avoid any inconvenience.

He also said that passengers looking to bring home meat products, particularly holiday staples like ham, should first check whether there are any restrictions on the place they are going to.

“Check natin doon sa mga destination na pupuntahan natin kung meron pa ba silang restriction sa pork and chicken products dahil meron pa din tayong mga probinsiya na merong binabantayan sa ASF [African swine fever] at tsaka sa bird flu. Baka bawal ‘yung pork products, whether processed or raw … Kino-confiscate ng Bureau of Quarantine ‘yan, so sayang lang,” said Santiago. (ABS-CBN News)