Close to 60,000 passengers made their way to the Philippines during the week leading up to Christmas, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The recorded arrivals reached a staggering 51,390 on the opening day of December at international airports across the country. As the week progressed, the numbers swelled even further, peaking at 59,541 on December 22 and remaining high at 58,993 on December 23.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized that a significant majority of these passengers, over 85 percent, arrived via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In response to the influx of travelers, Tansingco assured the public that the BI had taken proactive measures to ensure smooth immigration processing. Rapid response teams and augmentation teams were deployed to facilitate efficient clearance procedures.
Tansingco also encouraged Filipino citizens returning to the country to utilize the e-gates for faster immigration clearance. Additionally, he reminded all passengers, both Filipinos and foreigners, to register in advance via the eTravel portal at etravel.gov.ph. Registration should be completed at least 72 hours prior to arrival or departure.
While expressing his appreciation for the dedication of immigration officers during the holiday season, Tansingco acknowledged their sacrifice in choosing duty over spending time with their families. He commended the frontline personnel for their unwavering commitment to serving the traveling public.
As the year drew to a close, the influx of passengers served as a testament to the enduring spirit of travel and the desire to be reunited with loved ones during the festive season. The BI’s efforts to streamline immigration procedures ensured a smoother experience for travelers, despite the challenges posed by the high volume of arrivals.
