Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista inspects facilities of the Manila North Port ahead of Undas 2024. Lady Vicencio, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The schedule of trips to and from the Manila North Harbor Port is back to normal, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Thursday.

• Ports brace for passenger influx ahead of Undas break

Bautista inspected the passenger terminal ahead of the All Saint’s Holiday as passengers are expected to travel to the provinces. Rescheduling of trips was implemented this week after sea travel was affected during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

Bautista noted that fewer passengers were in the terminal despite the approaching long holiday weekend. A day before All Saint’s Day, the Transport chief said around only 25 percent of the terminal’s capacity is occupied. 

“Ang report sa amin itong period na ito, hindi siya ganoon talaga kalakas. Malakas daw during Christmas season and Holy Week,” Bautista said. 

“Ang report sa amin hindi masyadong puno ang mga barko kaya kayang-kaya ng existing terminal ang mga pasahero,” he added. 

• Passenger trips from Matnog Port resume

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said all trips are expected to proceed as scheduled as there are no suspensions connected to Typhoon Leon. 

“Konti lang talaga ‘yong mga nagpa-book for this Undas. Talagang ang influx ng pasahero ay holiday season pa sa December… Even advanced booking nila konti ang nag-book for November even before Typhoon Kristine,” PPA Division Manager Jenneliza Rebong said. 

Inter-island passenger ferry company 2GO said it is still accepting bookings for the next days as trips are not yet fully-booked. For November 1, 2GO will be operating trips to Batangas, Butuan, Zamboanga, and Palawan. 2GO Head of Travel Francis Chua said tickets can still be booked online or in the terminal at least one hour before the scheduled trip.

“Sa mga pasahero pong nagbabalak umuwi, best time to catch up would be right now,” Chua said. 

Some passengers from the other provinces of Luzon have started arriving in the passenger terminal. Jason Melo will be staying overnight in the terminal as he waits for his trip to Palawan scheduled in the afternoon of November 1. 

“Mas maigi pong maaga kasi papunta po tayo sa Undas kaya baka ma-traffic… Ang haba ng pila po diyan noong nakaraan po, “ Melo said. 

Port authorities remind passengers to be in the terminal four hours before their intended trip. Bringing of weapons, drinking alcohol, and smoking are prohibited.

Passengers with pets or animals during the trip should keep them in crates.