By CESAR JOLITO III
High prices of fuel are casting a shadow over Holy Week travel plans in Negros Occidental, with both road and sea travelers likely to stay home.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson reported a visible decline in tourist traffic to popular road trip destinations like Don Salvador Benedicto town, signaling what could be a quieter-than-usual Holy Week for local tourism spots.
“Definitely there are fewer vehicles, especially motorcycles, parked on the side of the road at coffee shops and areas frequented by local tourists on weekends,” Lacson said, noting that the upward trend in fuel costs is already weighing on travel decisions ahead of the peak holiday period.
The maritime sector is also feeling the pinch, according to Frank Carbon, consultant for a local seacraft operator.
Interisland sea travel is expected to drop as fares continue to climb in response to fuel price surges.
About two weeks ago, when fuel approached P100 per liter, fast craft fares increased by P70 — pushing one-way tickets to P740 for first class and P650 for tourist class.
Carbon warned that another increase of P20 to P30 may be necessary if fuel prices keep rising, further discouraging Holy Week travelers planning island visits.
Amid mounting concerns over rising costs, Carbon urged provincial and city councils to convene their price monitoring bodies.
Lacson said the Department of Trade and Industry is already actively monitoring prices, and he will consult with the agency to decide if convening the provincial price monitoring council is still needed.
Holy Week security
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) mobilized more than 1,000 personnel from March 29 to May 31 to ensure public safety during Holy Week and the summer travel season.
The region-wide operation is reinforced by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, airport police, and other uniformed services, along with support from community advocacy groups.
Police forces and force multipliers are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas such as churches, major roads, transport terminals, malls, public markets, and popular tourist destinations, including beaches and resorts across Negros Island.
Authorities said the deployment aims to boost police visibility, deter criminal activity and ensure swift emergency response.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay emphasized that ensuring public safety remains the top priority of the police during the summer months.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our communities and visitors is our foremost priority. PRO-NIR is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining peace and order, protecting lives and properties, and enabling everyone to enjoy a secure, orderly and memorable summer across Negros Island,” Ibay said.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office will deploy 126 Philippine National Police personnel across key areas in the city for Holy Week, according to Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia.
The deployment will focus on maintaining security in transport hubs, places of worship and other convergence areas in the city./CJ, WDJ