Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel are inspecting bus terminals rigorously in Dagupan City, Pangasinan to ensure safe travels during the holiday season.

Inspectors check buses parked at terminals and review drivers’ and conductors’ documents as part of the agency’s "Ligtas Biyahe" campaign.

“Nag i-inspect kami ng sasakyan para sa kaligtasan din talaga ng publiko,” Alexander Abella, Regional Law Enforcement Section Officer of LTO-1, said.

Passenger volume has surged since December 14, with many heading to provinces like Benguet, Zambales, La Union, and Isabela.

Travelers like Daryl Panaligan noted the holiday crowds. He was traveling to Manila from Mangaldan to pick up his Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) wife from the airport.

“Wala talagang magagawa, ganito talaga kapag holiday marami pasahero,” he said.

Romualdo Ligtana, bound for Tuguegarao to spend Christmas and New Year with loved ones, expressed patience in waiting for a seat.

“Maghihintay kami ng may bakante. Kung may bakante, makakasakay kami dito. Kung wala, eh talagang maghihintay kami,” he said.

Bus companies assured the public that drivers and conductors are well-rested and prepared for the increased workload.

“Drive safely lang po talaga, ingat palagi para sa mga pasahero,” Ivan Fernando, a bus driver, said.

“Pinaghahandaan na rin namin ang heavy traffic ngayon,” Lester Morales, another driver, added.

Traffic congestion is already evident in parts of Dagupan City by December 23 with more people heading home for the holidays.

“Christmas na kasi at uwian na ng mga kababayan natin kaya traffic na,” Pepe Macasieb, a motorist, said.

Dagupan City Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) Chief Arvin Decano explained traffic adjustments.

“Katulad sa Tapuac, dahil wala nang pasok ang mga estudyante wala na masyado traffic doon kaya dinala natin ‘yung mga enforcer sa ABF,” Decano said.