Passenger traffic surged at Philippines’ sea terminals during the holiday season and early January, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
From December 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, 4.67 million travelers used sea terminals, marking a seven percent increase compared to the 4.37 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2023. This figure surpassed the PPA’s forecast of 4.59 million passengers.
This marks the highest number of passengers recorded during the holidays since the pandemic, according to the ports regulator.
“Actually, it is high… It’s more than the expected passengers; the total is 4.7 million this 2024 compared to 4.3 million last 2023 and compared to the 4.5 million forecasts (for this year),” PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte said in a Viber message to reporters on Monday.
Batangas Port emerged as the busiest in the Philippines, serving 601,571 passengers — 369,313 embarking and 232,258 disembarking. Trailing closely were Bohol with 482,694, and Negros Oriental/Siquijor with 433,282 passengers, followed by Davao (442,929), and Bicol (312,530).
Other active ports included Negros Occidental Bacolod, Marinduque/Quezon (MarQuez), Panay/Guimaras, Western Leyte/Biliran, and Surigao, highlighting the robust activity across the country’s maritime hubs.
Philippine ports see record holiday traffic.
Sea travel surge
Improving economic conditions played a pivotal role in the holiday traffic spike, according to the PPA. With rising disposable incomes and enhanced mobility, more Filipinos opted for sea travel to reunite with loved ones during Christmas and New Year.
The PPA said the affordability and extensive domestic sea routes further cemented sea travel as the preferred mode of transportation for many. The “PPAsyal Tayo” campaign also contributed to this growth by promoting safe and efficient sea travel while enhancing passenger services, according to the PPA.
“This year’s holiday season has been another successful period for Philippine sea travel, with more passengers choosing to travel through our ports. We are pleased to see an increase in passenger numbers compared to last year, a sign that maritime transport continues to play a vital role in connecting families and communities across the country,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
Smooth operations
The PPA implemented measures to manage the holiday rush effectively. It deployed additional staff, enforced a “no leave” policy for port personnel, optimized operations, and strengthened security at major sea terminals. These efforts ensured a smooth flow of passengers and minimized disruptions.
Samonte pointed out that the rise in holiday travel offset the lower passenger turnout during the ‘Undas’ (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) holidays, which typhoons had disrupted.
As the holiday season ends, the PPA has started preparations to manage post-holiday travel. It has also announced plans for P831 million (US$14.2 million) worth of port expansion projects to support rising passenger numbers.
The San Jose Port expansion in Dinagat Islands, with a P441.34 million budget, invites bids until February 5. The Roxas Port expansion in Oriental Mindoro, allocated P262.97 million, has a February 4 deadline. Meanwhile, the Guinsiliban Port expansion in Camiguin, worth P126.74 million, accepts bids until January 31.
The PPA will task winning contractors with excavation work and operational area construction at these ports.
The country’s ports regulator is also pushing forward with a master plan to establish 10 new seaports nationwide. These seaports will include locations such as Puerto Galera, Taytay in Palawan, Dumaguete, and Zamboanga. By boosting connectivity and improving the supply chain, these projects aim to accommodate the growing demand for sea travel.
Passenger volume expected to hit record in 2025
The PPA predicts that passenger traffic at sea terminals will surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, potentially reaching over 85.4 million passengers. This would exceed the 2019 record of 83.72 million passengers.
In 2020, passenger numbers dropped to 24.89 million due to pandemic restrictions. By 2023, volumes recovered to 73.64 million, although they remained below 2019 levels.
“The maritime sector has been restoring its activities since the lifting of the pandemic lockdown. In fact, passenger volume rose to 73.64 million last year but was still below the 2019 level,” the PPA said in a statement.
With ongoing campaigns and significant investments in infrastructure, the PPA is positioning itself to meet rising passenger demand. Its efforts emphasize the importance of ports in connecting Filipinos and supporting the nation’s economic growth.
All photos credit: Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog
Top photo: Philippine ports see record holiday traffic.
