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The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) expect more than two million people to travel to their respective provinces or travel to Metro Manila during this year’s Holy Week,

PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador said early preparation are in place for the upcoming holiday exodus as passengers may start arriving as early as April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

“Sa ating pagtaya, hindi bababa ng 2 million, around 2.3 million passengers, magmula April 9 hanggang sa pagbabalik natin after the Holy Week,”.

Around 2 to 2.3 million passengers will pass PITX terminal starting April 9 until they return after the Holy Week, Salvador said in an interview.

The peak will be on Holy Wednesday and Holy Thursday. This is because many people still can’t file their leaves and are daily wage earners, so they will be working until the very last day and flock to the terminal altogether by Wednesday and Thursday.

As part of PITX’s preparations, Salvador said that they have met with operators to ensure that there will be enough buses to cater to millions of passengers this Holy Week.

He said they have also coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the issuance of special permits as needed, and to other agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT).

The PITX official also underscored the importance of road safety, especially that many people are expected to travel next week.

Salvador said that they also monitor the drivers themselves, whether they are in the right condition, by conducting random drug tests and breathalyzer tests.

Under Proclamation No. 727 issued by Malacañang, April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) are regular holidays. Meanwhile, April 19 (Black Saturday) has been declared a special non-working day.