The Philippine Coast Guard expects no major impact from the oil crisis and high living costs on Holy Week sea travelers, estimated at three million. PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the effect would be minimal, similar to last year's numbers. Monitoring began on March 28 until April 5 under Oplan Byaheng Ayos Semana Santa 2026.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard forecasts around three million sea travelers for Holy Week, nearly matching last year's figure.
"What we are so far seeing is that there might only be minimal effect in the volume of passengers this weekend," Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told radio dzBB. Monitoring started March 28 under Oplan Byaheng Ayos Semana Santa 2026, with heightened alert until April 5. As of yesterday morning, 390,000 outbound and inbound passengers were recorded at ports in Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Oriental Mindoro. Peak influx is expected Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
The PCG will deploy 17,000 personnel and has coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority.
Air travel is also set to rise, per Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. "We anticipate a significant increase in passenger traffic this Holy Week," he said. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez inspected NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3, while New NAIA Infra Corp. projects 150,000 daily passengers, up from 147,000 in 2025.
On roads, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II ordered roadworthiness inspections and coordination with local units for safety protocols.