PPA storm-ready
THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) assured the riding public and port users of its uninterrupted quality services even during inclement weather.
This came after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed PPA General Manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago to use all assets and skills of the agency in battling the effects of typhoons.
Tugade reminded PPA to be ready 24/7 to serve the riding public and other port users during typhoons.
“The PPA is prepared year-round and equipped with adequate facilities and significant port tools to ensure that the needs of the port users during typhoons will be address in a swift and safe manner”, Tugade said.
Santiago said there are available mobile showers and comfort rooms in all ports of PPA for hygiene purpose of possible stranded passengers during typhoon especially this time of pandemic.
Port managers are also directed to coordinate with other government agencies for information dissemination in response to trips cancellations to reduce stranded passengers inside the ports.
“Using our Vessel Traffic System (VTS), we are equipped to immediately advice shipping vessels to find shelter during typhoons and give the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) real time information about vessel status”, Santiago explained.
PPA recently distributed fire fighting vehicles and watercraft assets to its Port Management Offices (PMOs) all over the country as an additional equipment in addressing typhoon-related incidents.
Meanwhile, PPA also enjoined its private operator Asian Terminals Inc. – Batangas (ATIB) Terminal Manager Peter Dimayuga in Batangas Port to strictly implement policies of the agency during inclement weather.
The Batangas Port has the most number of passengers based on the records of PPA bound to the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Masbate.
