MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has expanded the use of its Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS) in several ports nationwide in anticipation of the influx of travelers during the Holy Week.
In a message to reporters, PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte said ORAS is a standardized reservation platform that allows passengers to book ferry tickets online, eliminating the need to arrive early and queue at ticket counters.
“With ORAS, there is certainty. Passengers can save time because they can book anytime and anywhere, even from the comfort of their homes. They simply need to arrive at the port before their scheduled trip,” Samonte said.
Passengers may access the system by scanning the ORAS QR code posted on PPA’s official social media pages, selecting available trips, and confirming their reservations. The generated ORAS pass or QR code functions similarly to an airline boarding pass and must be presented upon entry at the port.
The system is now available on routes from Balanacan Port, Batangas Port, Calapan Port, and Lucena Port, covering destinations such as Abra de Ilog, Caticlan, Coron and El Nido in Palawan, Puerto Galera, Romblon, Masbate, and Capiz.
Help desks will be available to assist walk-in passengers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities in registering for ORAS.
The PPA advised travelers to arrive early, noting that ORAS passes expire three hours before departure. The system does not apply in ports with off-site ticketing or for passengers traveling with vehicles.
Officials said the expansion aims to make port travel faster, more organized, and more convenient nationwide.|
