DOTr orders faster immigration screening for outbound international travelers

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) ordered faster immigration screening for outbound international travelers amid the expected influx of passengers for the Holy Week.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco conducted an inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which is expected to cater to around 2 million travelers during the Semana Santa.

“We have increased the number of screeners and security personnel. We will continue with this number to be deployed the whole Holy Week season,” said Bautista.

Bautista said the Transportation Department was also anticipating a surge in domestic travelers at the airport this year.

“‘Yung domestic operations natin is already 110% of pre-pandemic level so we are also expecting more domestic tourists to visit different destinations in the country,” he added.

The government earlier announced that April 6 (Maundy Thursday) and April 7 (Good Friday) were regular holidays, while April 8 (Black Saturday) was a special non-working day.

Monday, April 10, had been declared a non-working day in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan, which falls on April 9 (Sunday).

Meanwhile, the NAIA Terminal 2 had new Philippine-made furnishings, including new counters and chandeliers.

“You can see the work of Filipino hands through the lamps that are made of ratan and solihiya panels and seats made by our very talented Filipino artisans,” said Frasco. — Sundy Mae Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News