The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on ‘heightened alert’ to manage the influx of port passengers, specifically returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), authorized persons outside residence (APORs), and other essential travelers, during the Lenten season from 28 March to 03 April 2021. It will also cover the length of summer vacation in anticipation of local tourists who will travel by sea for recreational purposes until 31 May 2021. 

In compliance with the directive of Department of Transportation - Philippines (DOTr) Secretary, Arthur P. Tugade to initiate measures in support of the ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa & Summer Vacation 2021’, PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr has ordered the deployment of additional K9 units, medical teams, and deployable response groups (DRGs) in major seaports to increase Coast Guard visibility, manage port passengers, and oversee maritime traffic.

PCG personnel shall also aid the provision of additional terminal facilities for passenger comfort, while ensuring readiness of contingency plans for emergency responses.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, minimum health standards, which include physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, as well as the proper wearing of face masks and face shields shall be strictly observed onboard passenger ships and other water conveyances.

The standardized travel protocols for sea transport approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on 27 February 2021, as well as the guidelines on the optimization of physical distancing and carriage of passengers onboard ships and other conveyances issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall also be implemented.

“As always, our goal is to guarantee the safety, security, reliability, and comfort of the people we serve who need to travel by sea during the Holy Week and for leisure purposes as soon as travel restrictions are lifted. We call on our ‘kababayans’ to comply with the stringent protocols in port terminals, inside vessels, and during their stay in recreational areas as their individual contributions in curbing the spread of COVID-19,” Admiral Ursabia said.

Moreover, the Coast Guard Commandant has directed the placement of additional harbor patrollers and vessel inspectors to enforce maritime security and maritime safety measures, in coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies. This is intended to establish and maintain systematized operations of sea transport facilities; safe and convenient travel of the riding public; as well as the health, safety, and security of local tourists in beaches, island resorts, and other coastal vacation spots.

Aside from overseeing compliance with health and safety protocols, the PCG shall also necessitate the 24/7 availability of sufficient number of lifeguards, rescue equipment, and first aid facilities in major tourist destinations. Maritime advisories and notices to stakeholders shall also be communicated in a timely manner through information drives and other available communication platforms.

“Leisure and tourism travel outside the ‘NCR Plus Bubble' may not be allowed during the Lenten season, but we prepare for the expected increase in the number of local tourists after the two-week intensified border control in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. Rest assured we will guarantee their safety, security, reliability, and comfort by safeguarding the seaworthiness of passenger vessels and other watercraft, as well as recreational equipment, platforms, and facilities,” Admiral Ursabia added.

With the reactivation of the DOTr Malasakit Help Desks in port terminals, PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Armando A Balilo said Coast Guard personnel shall also extend further assistance to the riding public. Together with the Philippine Ports Authority and MARINA, the PCG shall address and resolve travel and/or health-related issues and complaints that may arise amid the operation of ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa & Summer Vacation 2021’.

The riding public is encouraged to coordinate with the Coast Guard Public Affairs (0927-560-7729) for inquiries, concerns, and clarifications regarding sea travel protocols and regulations during Holy week and summer vacation this year.