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Continuous and immediate changes are assured by Philippine Ports Authority to resolve the challenges in Matnog Port
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PPA-Bicol port manager Ma. Magnolia Sinson-Requejo says there are fewer people complaining about the long queue outside the port had significantly dwindled since the installation of a one-stop-shop, which houses all essential offices in one area
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PPA-Bicol initiated an early warning system during inclement weather to prevent passengers from getting stranded at the port
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The average daily passenger volume in Matnog Port is 2,500-3,000, which reaches 10,000 during peak seasons such as during election time and summer vacation
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is vowing fast action on problems at Matnog Port, including congestion and truck queueing.
In a meeting on November 10, PPA officials and executives of the Sorsogon local government laid out plans to improve port users’ experience in Matnog port, the port’s authority said in a statement.
Transport agencies and the local government have been trying to find immediate solutions to problems faced yearly by Matnog port, a jump-off point from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao that handles roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels and services passengers.
The port suffers perennial congestion and truck queuing, especially during the holidays when passengers travelling home flock to the terminal. There are also allegations of extortion at the gateway, such as fixers reportedly asking passengers for money and truckers being asked for payment so they can drive on board vessels quickly.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago assured Sorsogon officials and the public that there would be no let-up in local government and PPA initiatives to improve operations in Matnog port, noting some measures have already led to improvements.
“We are continuously creating programs and projects catering to the needs of the people. In fact, this meeting with the Sorsogon LGU [local government unit] opened new doors for the passengers, traders, and tourists utilizing Matnog Port,” Santiago said.
Port manager Ma. Magnolia Sinson-Requejo of the PPA Port Management Office of Bicol said the number of people complaining about the long queue outside the port had significantly dwindled since the installation of a one-stop-shop (OSS), which houses all essential offices in one area.
PPA said this makes it easier and faster to arrange the booking and payment of fees, resulting in a faster turnaround of vessels.
“The queue used to be really long, but with the OSS situated just adjacent to the port, it really accelerated the process,” Requejo said.
She said the PMO likewise initiated an early warning system during inclement weather to prevent passengers getting stranded at the port.
“The issuance of an advisory has been coordinated regularly with the Office of Civil Defense Region 5, the Land Transportation Office, and the Philippine Information Agency to immediately reach out to passengers during bad weather,” Requejo said.
Currently, the average daily volume of passengers passing through Matnog Port is 2,500-3,000, which reaches 10,000 during peak seasons, such as during election time and summer vacation.
