The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is prepared to serve 150,000 passengers per day during the expected influx of passengers for the ‘Undas’ (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) long weekend, an official said Monday.

In a Laging Handa briefing, PITX corporate affairs and government relations head Jason Salvador said the land terminal is prepared for the increase in passengers, with the PITX serving an average of 120,000 passengers per day in the past several weeks.

“Kaya naman maaga pa lang ay naghanda na po tayo sa pagbugso po ng mga pasahero dito (That’s why we have prepared for the influx of passengers early),” Salvador said.

He said several security, ground, and maintenance personnel were hired at the PITX in preparation for the event.

“Sinigurado po natin na lahat po ng kawani natin dito ay bakunado (We made sure that all of our personnel are vaccinated),” he said.

The PITX has coordinated with several local and national government agencies to ensure the efficient movement of traffic around the terminal as well as boost the safety of the riding public.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), he said, will ensure a sufficient amount of public transport over the weekend by providing special permits to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators when necessary while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) keeps the safety of motorists and the riding public.

“Magsasagawa ng mga random checks ‘no sa ating mga roadworthiness ng mga pampublikong sasakyan at tsitsekin din po nila iyong kaayusan ng ating mga tsuper (There will be random checks for roadworthiness on PUVs and we will also check the condition of our drivers),” he said.

To date, he said the PITX is engaged in a “multi-sectoral meeting” between LTO, LTFRB, the Philippine National Police, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to ensure the proper implementation of “Oplan Undas,” a government-led initiative to ensure the safe conduct of this year’s Undas.

To help stop the possible spread of Covid-19, he said the PITX has also hired Covid-19 ambassadors.

“Ito iyong mga kawani na walang ibang gagawin kundi ang mag-ikot, magpaalala, manita ng mga pasahero tungkol sa mga Covid-19 protocols (These are personnel whose sole purpose is to make rounds, remind, and tell off passengers regarding Covid-19 protocols),” he said.

He told passengers to wear face masks on public transport and to follow proper physical distancing and noted that other requirements such as presenting vaccine cards before boarding have since been eased.

However, he encouraged passengers to bring vaccine cards still in case these are needed at their destination.

He also reminded passengers to leave weapons, flammable, and explosive items at home and limit their luggage to ease their travel.

In Proclamation 79, Malacañang declared Oct. 31 as a special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families, as well as to promote local tourism during the Undas holidays.

Nov. 1, which falls on a Tuesday this year, is a special non-working day, according to Proclamation 1236 inked by former President Rodrigo Duterte in October 2021. (PNA)