THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has urged travelers who are going abroad during the holidays to be at the airport early or at least three hours before their scheduled flights in view of the expected large volume of passengers for the holiday season.
“It is happening throughout the world. There is a significant increase of passengers anywhere in the world during the Christmas season and the New Year; there is an increase in the volume of passengers,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Sunday.
The BI earlier reported that it expects around 110,000 daily arrivals and departures during the holidays.
Viado assured the public that all immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major airports around the country would be fully manned by immigration officers 24/7 as all vacation leaves of immigration personnel have been suspended during the holiday season.
At the same time, Viado reminded travelers that government personnel are not allowed to receive gifts or tokens, adding that BI frontline officers are only permitted to extend holiday greetings to travelers during the Christmas season.
However, Viado emphasized the need to keep greetings respectful and inclusive, ensuring that all travelers feel welcomed regardless of their faith or background.
“Filipinos are known worldwide for their hospitality, especially during the holiday season,” said Viado.
“Greeting is not just about spreading joy; it’s about showing the world the Filipino way of celebrating — with warmth, respect, and inclusivity. It’s a simple gesture that reflects our identity as a people,” he added.
“A simple smile or greeting to our officers when they work tirelessly to provide service to travelers would surely cheer them up, especially during holidays when they sacrifice time with their families to report for work,” he said.
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