MANILA — Provincial trips coming from the Manila North Port are fully booked until Christmas, according to 2Go Travel, the lone commercial trip operator in the port.

Francis Chua, Senior Assistant Vice President and Business Unit Head of 2Go Travel, clarified on Friday though that trips from December 26 and beyond are still available for those who would like to travel after Christmas.

"As of now, 'yung biyahe this week sa remaining days, fully booked na. If you're planning of travelling, check our website or our app," he said.

(As of now, the trips this week are fully booked. If you're planning to travel, better check our websites or app.)

There has been no cancellation of trips yet, but the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is closely monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) in Mindanao.

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PPA said the Philippine Coast Guard determines if there is a need to cancel trips for safety. 

"We have been monitoring it the past few days, walang trips na suspended. Tuluy-tuloy pa rin byahe ng pantalan," said Atty. Mark Palomar, Assistant General Manager for Operations at the PPA.

 (There are no suspended trips, all trips are departing as scheduled.)

 More than 4.5 million passengers are expected to travel in various ports around the country this holiday season, from December 15, 2024 up until January 5, 2025.

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 This is higher compared to 4.3 million passengers recorded in ports in the same period last year. 

"Ine-expect natin peak talaga is by December 22, 'yun talaga pinakamaraming pasaherong sabay-sabay," Palomar said. 

(We are expecting that the peak volume of passengers would be on December 22.)

 On Friday, the PPA also unveiled their upgraded facilities, including new x-ray machines to hasten the entry of passengers, and some nursing, children, and prayer rooms.