THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in northern Negros Occidental, through its “Oplan Semana Santa,” has expressed readiness for the observance of this year’s Holy Week beginning on Palm Sunday, April 10.Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, head of PCG-Northern Negros Occidental Station, said they are now on a “heightened alert” status ahead of the religious activity next week.With this, all leave credits of their personnel are temporarily canceled and they were ordered to report to their respective posts, Mercurio said.He said the PCG is also expecting an increase in passenger traffic for this year’s Holy Week vacation period as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) travel restrictions are now eased nationwide.Still, all passenger vessels will be inspected prior to departure to ensure that they are seaworthy, Mercurio added.The PCG official also assured that health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH), such as the wearing of face masks, will be observed inside the sea crafts at all times.The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), in an earlier statement, noted that they are now allowing a hundred percent seating capacity on inter-island passenger ships but are making sure that sea vessels are not overloaded.Meanwhile, the PCG reminded travelers not to carry prohibited items, such as sharp objects, so as to avoid any inconvenience.Each PCG sub-stations in Negros Occidental will also place a quick reaction team on standby to immediately respond to any incidents that may arise during the Holy Week observance.Aside from sea travel, the responsibility of inspecting mountain and beach resorts in the province also falls under the PCG’s jurisdiction.Mercurio also noted that they recently inspected the resorts in the northern part of the province and so far, most are compliant to safety standards.He said the inspections aimed to ensure that the resort lifeguards are properly trained and with proper certificates, and the resort’s lifesaving equipment are in place.Inspection of the resorts in the province will also continue throughout this week, Mercurio said, as he reminded both travelers and vacationers to prioritize their own safety at all times.