By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Maritime Industry Authority Western Visayas (MARINA-6) has announced the relaxation of shipping schedules at seaports to accommodate the anticipated surge in passengers and cargo during the upcoming long weekend.
In an order issued on August 20, MARINA-6 Director Jefrey Bangsa authorized shipping operators in the region to adjust their schedules beyond the limits set by their existing Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs).
Bangsa said the relaxation order aims “to provide operational flexibility to ensure safe, reliable, convenient, and continuous public service, along with the speedy transportation of passengers and rolling cargo.”
Under the order, ships may depart immediately once their maximum authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are reached.
After safely disembarking passengers and cargo and receiving approval or clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and/or the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), ships are permitted to return immediately to congested or affected ports, regardless of whether their authorized capacities are fully utilized.
The order also allows shipping operators to increase the number of trips to accommodate the surge in demand.
MARINA-6 emphasized that the carriage of passengers and cargo will strictly follow a “First-Come, First-Serve” policy, overriding any prior agreements or arrangements with clients or shippers.
The regulatory body also indicated that if the current measures prove insufficient to meet the demand in affected areas, additional shipping companies and operators may be authorized to deploy their vessels to ensure timely recovery from congestion.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. moved the observance of Ninoy Aquino Day from August 21 to August 23, creating a four-day weekend with National Heroes’ Day on August 26.
