Lucena port steps up Undas preparations, revives ORAS for walk-in passengers

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino The expanded Port of Lucena passenger terminal stands ready for the Undas travel rush, with nearly 1,000 ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

The expanded Port of Lucena passenger terminal stands ready for the Undas travel rush, with nearly 1,000 seats and improved facilities for sea travelers. (Philippine Ports Authority)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Online reservations and expanded passenger facilities are expected to ease congestion at the Port of Lucena as travelers prepare for the Undas holiday rush. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has deployed additional personnel and strengthened passenger management measures to accommodate the anticipated increase in maritime traffic.

The PPA's Port Management Office Marinduque/Quezon has reactivated the Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS), allowing walk-in passengers to reserve their preferred sailing schedules before arriving at participating ports. The system covers Lucena routes to Balanacan in Marinduque, Masbate and Romblon from October 28 to November 3.

Passengers can access the free reservation service through oras.ppa.com.ph, select their departure port and preferred sailing schedule, and save their ORAS Pass for verification. The pass allows passengers to reserve their preferred sailing schedule but does not replace a ferry ticket, which must be purchased separately from their chosen shipping line.

The PPA has shortened the ORAS Pass validity period from three hours to two hours before scheduled departure, following feedback from its Holy Week implementation. Passengers are also advised to arrive approximately two hours before sailing to allow sufficient time for reservation validation, ticket purchases and other predeparture requirements.

PPA Assistant General Manager for Operations Atty. Mark Jon Palomar encouraged travelers to complete their reservations before proceeding to the port to avoid unnecessary delays. He assured passengers without internet access that assistance personnel would remain available to guide them through the reservation process.

“Before you get to the port, you can already access the ORAS website; if you plan to travel, we encourage you to check ORAS and make your reservation there. If you cannot do it online and need to go to the port, there will be someone there to assist you,” Palomar said.

The expanded Passenger Terminal Building has increased its seating capacity from 607 to approximately 1,000 passengers, providing additional space during peak travel periods. Port management has established ORAS help desks, registration counters and ticket verification areas while reorganizing waiting areas and passenger entry and exit routes.

Meanwhile, authorities in Marinduque have strengthened security arrangements along the Lucena-Balanacan route through coordination with police, Coast Guard personnel and disaster response offices. PPA Balanacan Port Terminal Manager Aileen Baladad said ORAS helped reduce congestion during Holy Week, while passengers bringing vehicles remain subject to separate boarding procedures.

Nationwide, the PPA expects approximately 1.93 million passengers to travel through Philippine ports from October 27 to November 5, representing a projected 1.55-percent increase over the previous year. The agency said its projections considered higher ticket prices, the relatively short holiday period and varying passenger forecasts across individual port management offices.

With the anticipated increase in passenger traffic, Palomar emphasized that the renewed reservation system is intended to strengthen safety and improve operations across participating ports. He explained that advance reservations and coordinated preparations would help manage congestion while providing travelers with a more organized experience during the holiday period.

“As we approach the advance of the UNDAS we are once again expecting a significant increase in the numbers of Filipino traveling through our ports to be with their families and loved ones. With the relaunching of ORAS, our objective is straight forward, we want their journey through our ports to be safer, more orderly, and more conveniently for the travelling public,” Palomar said.

The Maritime Industry Authority has also strengthened safety monitoring at strategic ports, including Lucena, to ensure compliance with vessel safety and passenger capacity requirements. Port authorities advised travelers to confirm sailing schedules with their shipping lines, prepare their ORAS Pass and ticketing requirements, and monitor official maritime advisories before departure.