CPA records 35K passengers on Palm Sunday

Local

THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) recorded a total of 35,982 inbound and outbound passengers on Sunday, April 13, the first day of its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Holy Week and Summer Vacation 2025.”

Public information officer Mary Knoll Lague-Bolasa said on Monday, April 14, that the port expects an even higher number of passengers midweek as people head to their provinces for the long break.

“The duration of the oplan is from April 13-20 but the large volume of passengers is on Wednesday and when they travel back home on Sunday,” said Bolasa.

Based on CPA’s monitoring, 16,173 inbound and 19,809 outbound passengers passed through the port on Day 1 of the Oplan.

The CPA said it has deployed additional personnel and coordinated with shipping lines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies to ensure passenger safety and security during the eight-day period.

Passenger traffic is expected to continue rising in the coming days as more travelers take advantage of the Holy Week break.

The transport operation coincided with the Palm Sunday celebration led by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which marked the beginning of Holy Week.

Aside from the blessing of palms, the Archbishop is also expected to lead key liturgical events including the Tenebrae or Tinieblas, Siete Palabras, and the Easter Vigil Mass.

In support of the Oplan, other government agencies are also on heightened alert. The Land Transportation Office- Central Visayas began deploying personnel as early as April 11 to conduct inspections at major terminals and ports across Central Visayas, especially in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.

To further strengthen security at ports, CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III announced the activation of 24/7 monitoring by the CPA Operations Center.

Over 400 port police and security personnel, 23 K9 units, and two patrol boats have been deployed at Cebu Baseport and other facilities.

All ports in Cebu have been placed on heightened alert from April 13 to 20, with additional support from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Passengers are reminded to book tickets in advance, arrive early, and adhere to the “No Ticket, No ID, No Entry” policy being strictly enforced. Malasakit Help Desks and first-aid stations have also been set up to assist travelers during the peak travel season.(MyTVCebu)