The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday that the country’s transport sector is ready to accommodate millions of travelers expected to head to the provinces on November 1 for “undas.”
“We are prepared for the influx of passengers across airports, seaports, and bus terminals,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a Malacañang press briefing.
Bautista said the DOTr expects “millions” of passengers to travel in preparation of undas, noting that the agency expects at least 1.5 million bus passengers and around three million travelers for air and sea travels.
He also stated that DOTr and agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Cebu International Airport have coordinated efforts under the annual “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” program to ensure smooth operations.
The Philippine Coast Guard will also assist in managing the holiday travel rush. Despite some storm-related damage to minor seaports in Calabarzon and the Bicol regions, Bautista said all major airports and seaports remain fully operational.
Malacañang earlier declared that government offices and classes at all levels nationwide will be on half day on October 31 for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, which are declared special non-working holidays.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) meanwhile conducted massive cleanup drives and repair works on national roads and bridges to ensure road safety and efficient travel experience for the coming All Souls Day and All Saints Day.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed the deployment of composite teams to strategic locations nationwide to manage the anticipated surge of motorists, ensuring smoother and safer travel from October 31 to November 2, 2024.
“We are expecting the influx of motorists for Undas 2024, we are mobilizing our Lakbay Alalay Motorists Assistance Stations to provide prompt and reliable assistance to the traveling public,” Bonoan said.
The DPWH Lakbay Alalay teams are composed of uniformed field and crew personnel who will be working on a round-the-clock shift along identified stations.
Before the onset of the motorist assistance program, DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices nationwide were also actively conducting routine maintenance activities on national roads, primarily on routes leading to cemeteries and churches.
DPWH is also working closely with other government agencies including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Local Government Units (LGUs) for any needed assistance.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “DOTr prepares for ‘Undas’ travel surge.”
