Metro Manila, Philippines – Some passengers got off early for the Holy Week break, a trend authorities have observed in recent years to avoid the rush ahead of Maundy Thursday.
Among the early birds at a bus terminal in Quezon City on Friday, April 11, was Tris Mataga. “Vacation na, tapos na ‘yong trabaho ko, eh dun naman ako maghahanap ng trabaho.”
[Translation: It’s already vacation since I’m done with my work. I would be looking for another job in Tarlac.]
“Wala naman na po kaming gagawin, off na ng office namin, Holy Week na next week kaya pinauwi na kami ng agency,” said Aida Valdez bound for Nueva Ecija.
[Translation: We don’t have work to do already. Our agency has sent us home since it will be Holy Week next week.]
Schedules at Five Star Bus Company from Cubao, Quezon City to Tuguegarao, Cagayan on April 16 have been fully booked, according to its management, while few tickets remain for trips to Bolinao in Pangasinan, and Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija.
The Cubao terminal of Baliwag Transit, Inc., which serves around 3,000 passengers daily, is expecting the number to double next week to peak on April 15 and 16.
“‘Yong ngayong binabyahe natin 100 plus [buses]. Nagdagdag tayo ng special permit… mga more than 20 buses,” said Arnaldo Bernardo, the terminal’ s officer in charge.
[Translation: We have 100 buses. We got special permits to add more than 20 buses next week.]
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has allowed provincial buses on Epifanio de los Santos Ave. on certain days to meet demand.
Passenger traffic at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange has hit over 74,000 by 1 p.m. on Friday.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes led the inspection in the Cubao terminals of Five Star and Baliwag Transit, while other terminals and bus stations will be next in line.
“Baka pwedeng maglagay ng tents para may masilungan ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na ngayong summer,” Artes appealed to heads of bus terminals with small waiting areas. “Alam naman natin ang pagdagsa ng pasahero, ganun din po maglagay ng sistema sa pagpila.”
[Translation: Maybe tents can be set up for passengers, especially now during summer. A queuing system should also be set in place for the expected surge of passengers.]
Authorities also conducted drug testing on bus drivers and conductors at the two terminals to ensure safe travel.
Projected number of tourists
The Department of Tourism (DOT) projected over 30 million local and international visitors will enjoy tourist spots in the Philippines during the Holy Week break.
In a statement on Friday, April 11, the DOT said it also expects to welcome 2.4 million tourists in Intramuros, Manila.
According to the agency, top destinations during last year’s Holy Week were Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Baguio, Batangas, Ilocos Norte and Sur, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Puerto Galera.
