Airport, CSBT prepared for surge of passengers

CEBU, Philippines — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the country’s first resort airport, is on heightened alert since October 25 until November 4 for the government’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2019, in anticipation of the influx of passengers for All Souls’ and All Saints’ days.

Spearheaded by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Oplan Biyaheng Ayos implements additional security and safety measures appropriate for the increased activities and operations in the facility.

“All security and safety units are placed on alert status for sufficient round-the-clock personnel to prevent untoward incidents and guarantee immediate responses during the holiday period,” said MCIAA General Manager and CEO Atty. Steve Yuhico-Dicdican, in a statement.

GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), the private operator managing the terminal buildings and ramp area of MCIA, is aligned with the MCIAA in the implementation of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

“As more passengers travel with their families to observe this annual tradition, we need to ensure that the airport operates at the highest level so everyone is afforded convenience and safety as they travel to their destinations,” said GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison.

GMCAC is also making sure there are ample commercial and food options available for passengers.

MCIAA said that for departing OFWs, the POEA was requested to ensure additional manpower is available to deal with affected passengers and to process any issues that may arise due to late departure to their destination.

It added that concessionaires have committed to stock up on their supplies and inventory in both terminals for all passengers.

Telecommunication companies Globe and Smart have also committed to ensure inventory of load and SIM cards are available for purchase for passengers when needed

Getting ready

Meanwhile, the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is getting ready for the massive increase in the number of passengers for Undas.

CSBT General Manager Carmen Quijano said they are expecting a total of 50,000 homebound passengers for Undas. She added that they predict that the surge of passengers will start in the afternoon of October 31 to November 1.

As an advisory to the general riding public, she advised that the passengers refrain from bringing bulky baggage. Private cars, taxis and motorcycles will not be allowed entry in the terminal to make sure that the space be maximized for buses.

Three days away from one of the busiest days of operation, Quijano assured that the CSBT is gearing up for the overwhelming number of passengers. Measures, she said, are being taken to ensure the safety and ease of passengers.

Among these are the additional buses from local government units of Southern cities and municipalities.

At present, the CSBT has 400 buses. To cater to the influx of passengers, she disclosed that the LGUs have agreed to cooperate with the terminal by deploying buses.

The buses, however, will prioritize women, children, persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens.

As of now, Quijano said that they still have not agreed on the date of the buses’ arrival. But she assured that the additional vehicles will be available on the busiest days leading up to the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“They will really participate… Any time they will come,” she said.

As for the security, CSBT Security Officer Valentino Cruz Jr. disclosed that they have already met with the security guards and police originally assigned to the terminal.

In the meeting, he was informed that both the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) have confirmed that they will deploy additional forces to augment the security needs for the massive spike of passengers.

To maintain cleanliness, Quijano also said that she is set to meet with Governor Gwen Garcia to request for additional janitorial staff for CSBT. The 20 janitorial personnel in the terminal will not suffice, according to Quijano, which is why she hopes that the Cebu Provincial Government would deploy six more personnel. (FREEMAN)