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The Philippine Ports Authority logged a record 6.28 million passengers during the Christmas-New Year peak
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Passenger volume from December 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026 was the highest since PPA’s creation in 1974
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The volume surpassed 4.7 million passengers in 2024 and 4.4 million in 2023
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Surge attributed to extended school and corporate breaks and additional non-working days declared by Malacañang
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Highest passenger traffic recorded at PMO Panay/Guimaras, followed by Batangas, Mindoro, Bohol, and Negros Oriental/Siquijor
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PPA general manager Jay Santiago said they are committed to safe, efficient port operations year-round, with preparations already underway for Holy Week in April
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recorded a historic surge in passenger traffic during the recent Christmas and New Year holidays, logging 6,281,052 travelers nationwide from December 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026, the highest volume during such period since the agency’s establishment in 1974.
The figure sharply exceeded the 4.7 million passengers recorded in 2024 and 4.4 million in 2023 over the same period, reflecting robust demand for domestic sea travel.
PPA, in a press release, attributed the increase to extended school and corporate breaks, which allowed longer travel opportunities for students and workers, particularly during consecutive long weekends.
Passenger traffic was further lifted by Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular No. 111, s. 2025, which declared December 29, 2025 and January 2, 2026 as additional non-working days, enabling more Filipinos to plan extended trips to their home provinces.
“Our initial estimate was 4.6 million passengers, but with the longer holiday break, many of our countrymen took the opportunity to return to their provinces. This is a positive sign because it shows more Filipinos are using our ports and placing their trust in the services of our personnel and in our new facilities,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago, noting the generally peaceful conduct of the peak travel period.
The highest passenger volumes were recorded at the Port Management Office (PMO) Panay/Guimaras, followed by PMO Batangas, PMO Mindoro, PMO Bohol, and PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor.
To manage the surge and ensure safe and orderly operations, port authorities intensified security screening and enforcement of port safety regulations, leading to the confiscation of several prohibited items.
READ: PPA heightens security, warns vs scammers amid Christmas rush
“We will continue striving to maintain safe, orderly, and efficient operations across our ports to better serve more Filipinos, especially during times when we are most needed. Our preparations run year-round for upcoming peak travel seasons, including the forthcoming Holy Week 2026,” Santiago said.
