The Maritime Industry Authority has placed the schedule of trips in the ports of Batangas, Mindoro, Quezon and Romblon under relaxed mode to accommodate as many passengers and avoid congestion at the port.

Capt. Raul Belesario, Philippine Coast Guard Batangas station commander, said any vessel will be allowed to sail as long as it is ready and full of passengers.

"Sa ngayon, parang walang epekto kasi napakaluwag pa at wala pang gaanong pasahero. Anyway, mas maganda rin 'yong relaxed para if in case nga na dumagsa yung pasahero, maybe mamayang hapon or maybe bukas, naka-ready tayo," he said.

(As of now, it seems there is no difference because it's not yet crowded and there are not many passengers. Anyway, being on relaxed mode is better so that if passengers arrive in great numbers later in the afternoon or tomorrow, we are ready.)

On Sunday, around 21,000 passengers left the Batangas port while about 8,000 arrived. An estimated 4,100 travelers arrived at the port south of the capital on Monday.

Compared to previous peak seasons, the number of passengers was smaller and was close to normal number of passengers that arrive and leave the port of Batangas on a usual day.

According to Philippine Coastguard Batangas Station, more passengers may arrive come evening especially since Tuesday was declared a holiday.

Regardless of the number of passengers, authorities said they are still on alert to make sure that problems could be avoided.