In anticipation of the forthcoming “Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election and Undas 2023,” the MARINA Regional Office 4 (MRO4) has issued a directive to relax the authorized schedule of trips for shipping operators within its jurisdiction. This decision comes in response to the expected surge in passengers and cargo in the coming days.
The directive aims to ensure the safe, reliable, and convenient transportation of passengers and rolling cargoes while accommodating the heightened demand. The relaxation of schedules is guided by the conditions outlined in MARINA Advisory No. 2015-10, which provides “Guidelines during Emergency, Holiday Season, and Special Occasion.”
Key provisions of the said directive include immediate departure when passenger and cargo capacities are met, prompt return to congested ports, increased sailing frequencies, and a strict “First Come, First Served” policy for passengers and cargoes.
In cases where the measures taken to address congestion and meet demand prove insufficient, other shipping companies or operators may be authorized to deploy their vessels to ensure the swift recovery of affected areas from emergency situations, congestion, or similar circumstances.
Changes or adjustments in ship schedules will be allowed with written confirmation from MARINA and are subject to modification, cancellation, or revocation for valid reasons. A copy of this order will be provided to concerned shipping lines and government agencies, with a particular focus on the PCG, its stations, PPA, and local government units.
This directive is effective from 27 October 2023, until 06 November 2023, or until shipping operations on the affected routes return to normal, whichever occurs earlier.