-
Ports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority are on heightened alert to ensure proper health and safety protocols are observed ahead of the Lenten break
-
Special attention is being given to “NCR Plus” ports to guarantee that only authorized persons can enter and exit port facilities. NCR Plus covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, which are under stricter general community quarantine from March 22 to April 4 to control the surge in COVID-19 cases
Ports under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are now on heightened alert to ensure that proper health and safety protocols are observed ahead of the Lenten break.
Special attention is being implemented in ports located in the “NCR Plus” to guarantee that only authorized persons can enter and exit port facilities, PPA said in a statement.
NCR Plus covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, which are placed under a stricter general community quarantine from March 22 to April 4 to control the surge in COVID-19 cases.
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said PPA has already released the enhanced health and safety guidelines to be observed in ports to secure movement in local and international supply chains while also safeguarding the passage sector in areas where interzonal travel is allowed.
“It is a must for the PPA to strictly enforce all anti-COVID-19 measures to protect the sea-going public as much as possible during this Lenten break and eventually this coming summer vacation,” Santiago said.
Travelers, particularly those coming from the NCR Plus, are advised to make sure they have the documentary requirements needed by the local government units (LGU) in their destination to avoid any disruption in their planned itinerary of travel.
Based on PPA Memorandum Circular No. 08-2021 released on March 22, among measures being imposed at PPA ports are:
- Wearing of face masks and face shields
- Conduct of temperature checks
- Keeping passenger terminal buildings (PTB) and offices well ventilated
- Frequent disinfection of PTBs, offices, and facilities
- Frequent handwashing and use of alcohols and sanitizers
- No PPA personnel and port users with COVID-19 symptoms allowed inside the port, PTB and offices
- Observance of appropriate social distancing
- Only persons authorized to be outside their residence allowed in the ports
Aside from these measures, PPA has mobilized Malasakit Help Desks in ports to assist passengers, and required ship agents to regularly update their passengers on ship arrival and departure schedules.
For passengers’ convenience, ports will be equipped with first-aid services on a 24/7 schedule; have properly cleaned and maintained PTB facilities at all times, particularly comfort rooms and washrooms; be provided with drinking water; and have extra tents and chairs for passengers waiting inside the terminals.
For safety, all passengers are required to go through PTB security screening before boarding the vessels. Security-check fast lane services have also been established for passengers carrying minimal belongings, persons with disability, and pregnant women.
