Cebu ports on heightened alert on April 10-18, anticipates passenger traffic surge

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) is on heightened alert starting April 10 to April 18 and reactivates its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” anticipating passenger traffic surge as country observes the Semana Santa and summer vacation with COVID-19 restrictions and protocols easing out now.

“With eased travel restrictions, CPA with partners from the maritime sector are working closely to further intensity our efforts to ensure the safety, security, order and convenience of the travelling public,” CPA General Manager Leonilo Miole said.

Miole added, “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” ensures safety, security and comfort of all passengers who will be travelling to their home provinces or cities through the ports for the Holy Week.

Consistent with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Guidelines, CPA will strictly impose the mandatory wearing of face mask, temperature check of passengers upon entry inside port passenger terminal facilities, ban from talking and taking unnecessary phone calls, and observance of social distancing especially in common areas such as canteens, lounges, open decks, comfort rooms and the like.

CPA bared that some port facilities and passenger terminal buildings are still undergoing repair and rehabilitation after sustaining significant damages due to Typhoon Odette, hence it   encourages all passengers to strictly observe a one-meter distance while queuing at the passenger terminal, during boarding and disembarkation.

Miole appeals to the traveling public not to go to ports without confirmed travel booking to avoid overcrowding because the port facilities presently have limited areas to accommodate a large number of passengers due to ongoing repair and rehabilitation.

Only passengers with boat tickets and valid Identification Cards (IDs) shall be allowed entry into the port at least (2) hours from the scheduled departure time. CPA will strictly impose the “No ticket, No ID, No Entry Policy”.

Miole reminded the public not to avail of any illegal ticket scouting by unauthorized persons and to book their tickets in advance to avoid heavy queuing outside the port area where most ticketing outlets are located.

Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) and first-aid stations were activated in passenger terminals to attend to various passenger concerns.  All port management offices were directed to ensure that all booths / counters / centers serving passengers are properly manned during operating hours.

Direct boarding of passengers to the vessel shall be allowed as may be deemed necessary in order to avoid crowding, inconvenience, or delay of the vessel’s departure provided that security, safety, and health protocols shall be observed.

During the duration of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, CPA will deploy additional Port Police Officers in ports with high passenger traffic to enforce port safety and security protocols.

Partners from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will also conduct random inspection and K9 sweeping as part of the intensified campaign to interdict drug couriers passing through seaports. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will also deploy Bomb Sniffing Dogs in port areas and Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs).

Miole assured all port users that daily disinfection activities are being conducted in all Port Passenger Terminal Buildings, port entry and exit points, shuttle buses and all other areas within the port that are highly exposed to passenger traffic. (Photos: CPA)