Passenger volumes at Batangas Port have swelled as thousands of travelers head to Mindoro for Christmas, port authorities reported on Sunday.

Ferry operators have abandoned regular schedules to accommodate the increasing flow of passengers and vehicles bound for Abra de Ilog and Calapan City ports.

Vessels are departing as soon as they reach capacity, rather than waiting for scheduled departure times.

“We expect the heavy passenger traffic to continue throughout the holiday season as people travel to reunite with their families,” said Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano in an FB post.

The governor urged travelers to exercise patience amid the long queues and advised extra caution when traveling with children and belongings during the holiday rush.

Regular ferry services connect Batangas Port to Mindoro island through both Abra de Ilog and Calapan City ports, serving as a crucial maritime route for Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

Photo by Marielle Caponpon