The Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro has once again implemented the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos that will run from 25 October to 04 November 2019, covering the Port of Cagayan de Oro and Terminal Ports in Camiguin and Balingoan, to ensure the security, safety, convenience, and comfort of the sea-going passengers for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

During this peak season, intensified and stringent security screening and tighter access controls are being implemented in the ports in coordination with other maritime agencies and law enforcement units. The PMO has ensured direct communications with the PPA Head Office and Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s Action Center. Like other Oplan, the Port Police Division submits daily port situation report to the Head Office. Tarpaulins containing the hotlines of the DOTr and PPA Action Center, as well as the PMO’s Command Center, were displayed in the conspicuous spots in the ports.

Malasakit Help Desks or Passenger Help Desk Assistance Centers were also activated particularly at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan, and Benoni in Camiguin, manned by PMO personnel to address inquiries and provide assistance and immediate action to passengers’ concerns. The Help Desks are also offering free drinking water, first aid services, mobile phone for free calls, and a charging area for portable gadgets. This year, PPA prepared the “Malasakit pouches” that contained toiletries, bottled water, and light snacks for passengers who may be get stranded at the ports during inclement weather conditions or due to other vessel-related reasons. The pouches will be dispatched to all PPA ports nationwide.

Series of meetings on pre-implementation were conducted by the PMO among its Division Heads and key personnel to ensure the organized and orderly operations at the ports during the ‘Undas’. The roles and responsibilities of each Division were reviewed and discussed.

The body established the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will serve as the guide for all PMO Divisions and Support Services in carrying out their roles and responsibilities in every Oplan activity of the PMO. — By IMR Lam