Manila, Philippines — Ahead of the upcoming ‘Undas,’ an extended holiday season in the Philippines, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to coordinate with other relevant agencies for ensuring safe and hassle-free travel experiences for Filipinos.
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), followed by All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, are expected to prompt a significant number of people to travel. Gatchalian highlighted the need for a concerted effort to swiftly address and resolve any road and transport-related issues that may arise during this time.
For air travel, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of implementing robust security protocols and advanced detection technologies to enhance the safety of both passengers and airport personnel. He noted that similar measures should be taken for maritime transport, including continuous maintenance of boats and vessels, the availability of life-saving equipment, and ensuring that crew members are well-trained to prevent accidents.
On the subject of land travel, Gatchalian pointed out that the Toll Regulatory Board should take steps to address the typical bottlenecks that occur during peak travel seasons. He also encouraged toll road users to opt for the Radio-frequency identification system for toll payment and to pre-load their accounts for a smoother and more convenient travel experience.