MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Benigno Aquino III made his annual rounds inspecting major passenger terminals on Friday, October 31, right before the All Souls’ Day weeekend, traditionally a time when Filipinos from all over the country return to the provinces.

Aquino first stopped at the North Port passenger terminal complex at the Manila North Harbor in Tondo Manila, accompanied by several of his Cabinet secretaries.

There he inspected 14 ticketing booths, the Porters Assessment Area, Excess Baggage Screening Area and two units of X-Ray machines, and help desks manned and operated by the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Marina personnel.

Aquino then headed to the North Port Passenger Terminal Building where he inspected the terminal fee counter, passeger and baggage screening counters, metal detectors, biometric scan and shoot ticket scanning area, and the waiting lounge at the South Wing.

The President also boarded and inspected the St Augustine Hippo Vessel, bound for Coron and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, docked at Pier 4-Berth 1A. An estimated 1,096 passengers were on board, while about 500 were at the passenger terminal building.

From the Harbor, Aquino then inspected the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City where he checked on security operations and was briefed by Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel Honrado. About 6,000 passengers are estimated to be at the terminal.

After the airport, the President also checked out the JAC Liner Buendia Terminal in Pasay where he inspected the flow of passengers while being briefed by Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya on the status of operations and arrangements made for the holiday weekend. Aquino’s final stop was at the DLTB Bus Terminal also in Pasay where he inspected the bus loading area with Abaya.

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said the President was pleased with what he saw.

“The President was satisfied with what he observed in the various places he visted like the Manila North Harbor, NAIA and the two bust terminals here in Pasay City,” he said. “He saw that our traveling countrymen are in a good state heading back to their hometown. He also said that the preparations of the government have been sufficient to ensure passenger travel safely and comfortably.” – Rappler.com