PH ports report fewer Undas travelers as fares surge, holidays shorten

MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority documented a noticeable decline in passenger volume at the nation's ports during the 2026 Undas holidays compared to the previous year, marking a slowdown in travel during the traditionally busy commemorative season.

The PPA registered 1,362,454 passengers across its managed port facilities during the Undas period. The authority cited two primary factors behind the year-on-year decrease: increased transportation fares and a shorter holiday window that limited travel opportunities for Filipino families.

The Undas season, observed around early November, typically sees a surge in inter-island travel as Filipinos journey to provincial hometowns and cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Port operations across the archipelago handle substantial passenger loads during this period, serving as critical transport hubs for holiday-bound travelers.

Higher ferry and shipping costs have placed additional strain on household budgets, particularly affecting price-sensitive travelers and lower-income families who rely on sea transport to reach their destinations. Industry analysts note that elevated fares, combined with compressed work schedules that shortened available vacation days, created conditions unfavorable for travel during the 2026 Undas observance.

The PPA's findings underscore the sensitivity of domestic sea travel demand to both economic and logistical factors, with implications for maritime operators and provincial economies dependent on holiday-season visitor spending.