21 OCTOBER 2024 — Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago issued a directive to all Port Management Offices (PMOs) in preparation for the impact of Tropical Depression Kristine and the anticipated increase in passenger volume for the upcoming Undas 2024 observance to ensure safety and efficiency during these critical periods.
To mitigate the potential impacts of the tropical depression, PMOs are required to conduct comprehensive pre-disaster risk assessments of their facilities and infrastructure. This includes identifying vulnerabilities and implementing preventive measures to safeguard against damage and disruptions.
GM Santiago underscores the crucial role of PMOs to coordinate closely with agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMO) to stay updated on the storm's trajectory and receive timely safety advisories.
“The safety and convenience of our personnel and passengers during these critical periods are our utmost priorities,” GM Santiago stated. “Emergency response teams of each PMO should be activated, and safety protocols must be reinforced to protect both personnel and port users.”
As of 12nn of October 21, 2024 there are 566 passengers stranded at PMO Bicol ports due to cancelled trips including route from Virac/San Andres, Catanduanes to Tabaco, Albay. Several shipping lines from Masbate also announces cancelled trips due to inclement weather condition.
The PMOs promptly acted on GM Santiago's directive. At PMO Western Biliran, where all trips at the port have been canceled, port police and operations personnel conducted inspections to ensure that important documents were in safe locations, while also organizing safety and security signage and setting up tents to prevent damage. Meanwhile, PMO Masbate and Negros Occidental/Bacolod/Banago Bredco have established faster communication channels among relevant agencies regarding port operations and public safety. PMO Northern Luzon has already sent Notices to Seek Shelter/Notices to Pull Out from Berth to agents and ship captains docked at all its ports to prevent any incidents of damage to port facilities. In PMO Bicol, in addition to preparations within the port, coordination has also been made with local government and school administrations regarding potential relocation of passengers if preventive evacuation becomes necessary.
Free lunches were provided to passengers affected by TD "Kristine" at the Port of Tabaco in Albay today. More than 500 passengers benefited from this free meal, which is the result of the ongoing good coordination between PMO Bicol/TMO Tabaco, the Provincial Government of Catanduanes, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It is expected that food assistance will continue for the affected passengers while their ferry trips remain canceled.
Meanwhile, as the Undas 2024 observance approaches, PMOs are also instructed to enhance Passenger Assistance Desks to better serve the expected increased number of passengers, ensuring that adequate staff are available to provide information, guidance, and support. ###