• Ports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority are on high alert in preparation for super typhoon Opong and the expected strengthening of the southwest monsoon
• Critical equipment and supplies such as emergency power systems, communication gear, first aid kits, food and water, and relief packs are prepositioned at ports
• PPA general manager Jay Santiago ordered port offices to provide hourly situation reports, including cancelled voyages, stranded passengers, rolling cargoes, ship status, weather and sea conditions
• Santiago reminded passengers to check with shipping lines before heading to ports
Ports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are on high alert in preparation for super typhoon Opong and the expected strengthening of the southwest monsoon.
Critical equipment and supplies have already been prepositioned at ports, including emergency power systems, communication equipment, first aid kits, food and water, as well as relief food packs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago instructed port management offices to submit hourly situation reports detailing cancelled voyages, stranded passengers, rolling cargoes, vessel conditions, weather and sea updates, port status, and other relevant developments.
“Whenever there’s bad weather, we always have preparations in place, especially safety and precautionary measures to protect lives, equipment, and port facilities. We also advise passengers not to proceed to the port if there’s bad weather in their area,” Santiago said in a statement.
“Please check with your shipping line to confirm if the trip is still scheduled,” he highlighted.
All port offices will enforce necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers, port workers, cargo, and port infrastructure, according to PPA.
The PPA also activated its emergency response protocols under its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Manual, which includes close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Maritime Industry Authority, local disaster offices, and other relevant agencies to ensure proper advisories and response to effects of the storm.
The PPA said its social media accounts remain open 24/7 to handle passenger inquiries and provide nationwide port updates.
