Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) – The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is expecting to cater to more passengers during this year’s Holy Week, with about 1.2 million seen to troop to the terminal to head home to their provinces.
According to PITX Corporate Affairs Head Jason Salvador, an influx of passengers is expected beginning Friday, March 31, and after Easter Sunday, since President Bongbong Marcos declared the Day of Valor on April 10 a holiday.
“Dahil napakahaba ng Holy Week natin, and this is the first summer time na wala masyadong restrictions, inaasahan natin na sasamantalahin talaga ito ng mga kababayan natin magbiyahe,” Salvador told reporters on Wednesday.
[Translation: Because we have a very long Holy Week, and this is the first summer time with minimal restrictions, we expect that a lot of our countrymen will take this opportunity to travel.]
“Maganda ito kasi sa tingin natin maii-spread out yung bilang ng tao at hindi tayo mabibilaukan o magkakaroon ng congestion,” he added.
[Translation: This is good news since the number of people will be spread out and congestion will be avoided.]
Since trips heading to the Bicol Region and northern provinces like Baguio are already fully booked, Salvador said the PITX is coordinating with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the issuance of special permits for additional units as needed.
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Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, along with Metropolitan Manila Development Administration (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes and Inter-Agency Council for Traffic chief Charlie del Rosario, also inspected the PITX on Wednesday, as part of the transport sector’s preparations for the Holy Week break.
Bautista said they are ready for the influx of passengers.
“Meron kaming mga ginagawang mga programa para maging maayos ang maging travel experience ng ating pasahero hindi lamang sa airports, hindi lamang sa train, but kasama yung mga pasahero natin na magbibiyahe by bus or by jeep,” he said.
[Translation: We have created programs to ensure our passengers will have an orderly and safe travel experience, not only in airports and trains but also for those traveling by bus or by jeep.]
The MMDA said it will put up a multi-agency command center to monitor the traffic situation in local government units, airports, and bus terminals during the Holy Week.
