The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Tuesday assured the safety and comfort of an expected 2.1 million travellers this coming All Saints and All Souls Day or ‘Undas.’
‘Based on our estimate, we are expecting around 2.1 million passengers in the PITX from the week of October 27 up to after Undas. They include those who will go to provinces, and those who will visit Metro Manila,’ Salvador said in Filipino at a forum organized by Quezon City journalists.
Salvador shared that the multi-modal transport hub served around 2.4 million passengers during the same time last year. He also mentioned that the terminal welcomes an average of 160,000 passengers on a regular day.
Salvador added that the PITX coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure the road-worthiness of public transport vehicles and their drivers.
‘The public vehicles need to be in the top condition, meaning all of their components are in the right condition and can arrive safely in their destinations. In this aspect, we coordinate with the DOTr and LTO in checking their safety,’ he said.
Salvador noted that the terminal, with the help of LTO and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, conducts random drug testing of drivers.
‘Sometimes, drivers want to extend their working hours to earn more, but sadly, some of them resort to performance enhancement substances. We remind them that this is not only dangerous for their health, but also for other drivers and passengers,’ he added.
Salvador likewise said that security forces are deployed within the terminal and its peripherals with the help of DOTr and Philippine National Police.
Tips for passengers
Salvador issued three reminders for passengers for smooth and convenient travels: book tickets early, pack lightly, and avoid bringing inflammable materials.
He said that while trips are not yet fully booked for several routes, the terminal is expecting an influx of bookings starting October 27.
He added that passengers are assured of comfortable stay in the terminal as it is open 24 hours a day and many food stalls are available.
He also said that packing lightly will not only benefit the passengers themselves but also others.
He reminded passengers not to bring inflammable materials such as butane stoves, which are commonly used for portable samgyupsal sets, as they can explode.
While the Department of Health (DOH) has not ordered a mandatory use of face masks amid the flu season, Salvador urged the terminal passengers to wear face masks as a precaution.
The DOH earlier reported that it logged a total of 6,457 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) nationwide from September 28, 2025 to October 11, 2025.
It noted that this is 39% lower than the 10,740 cases recorded from September 14 to September 27, 2025. /gsg