The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is recommending that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issue special permits for passenger vessels to help manage the surge of travelers during peak seasons, particularly around the holidays.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said shipping companies already know how many tickets they sell for each trip, and this information could serve as the basis for granting special permits.

“Alam naman nila kung ano yung volume na naibenta nila. Kung mag-appeal din ang MARINA sa mga sasakyang pandagat, eh magbigay na po ng special permit. para matugunan po yung influx po ng pasahero,” Santiago said.

Santiago acknowledged the country is facing a shortage of ships to accommodate the growing demand for inter-island travel.

“Pero sinusubukan din natin intindihan na talagang kulang na kulang talaga yung numero ng barko natin sa ating bayan ngayon,” he added.

Focusing on Batangas Port, a major gateway for travelers heading to Mindoro, Romblon, Katiklan, and Iloilo, Santiago said the port currently accommodates around seven passenger vessels operating across different routes. During the holiday season, some routes see only one vessel making a single daily trip.

”‘Yong walang RoRo, siguro nasa mga halos 150 to almost 200 ang pwede makasakay dyan. So naman sa mga may RoRo, maliban doon sa rolling cargo nila o yung mga vehikulo, nasa mga 300 po ang maisasakay niyan,” he explained.

Santiago also described the holiday crowd situation at Batangas Port, noting that passengers often wait for long hours at ticketing booths.

“Doon sa ticketing booth, meron po doon na ikaw nga siguro mahigit walo o siyam na oras nang nakapila,” the General Manager said.

To address the congestion, Santiago instructed terminal managers to coordinate closely with MARINA and shipping lines to ensure that schedules are properly maintained and that passengers traveling to and from various provincial ports can board vessels on time.