Coastguard prepares for Lenten season rush

CEBU, Philippines - Just a few days before the Holy Week, the Philippine Coastguard is getting ready to ensure the safety and convenience of the passengers who are expected to flock the ports to go home to their provinces.

Commander Anelito Gabisan, public information officer for Coastguard District Central and Eastern Visayas (CGDCEV), yesterday said they are expecting many passengers as what usually happens every year. This is why the Philippine Coastguard through CGDCEV is putting up Passenger Assistance Center in port areas in Regions 7 and 8.

According to Gabisan, the ports of Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol, Maasin, Ormoc, Catbalogan and Tacloban will be having help desks from April 5 to 12 during the observance of the Holy week.

The help desk will have two representatives each from PCG, MARINA, the Philippine or Cebu Port Authority, PCGA and other government and non-government offices that have volunteered to give service in a 24/7 basis.

The personnel assigned in every port in Central Visayas will assist those who request assistance like in their tickets and other complaints and would act as facilitators on the issues that would be referred to the shipping office or operators concerned.

“Minor medical assistance will also be given,” added Gabisan. He encouraged the public to approach the help desks if they need help which will be placed in strategic parts of the ports.

Gabisan stated that they expect people to start going home by Sunday, but right now, they are already in heightened alert to ensure the safety in the ports. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)