Naga city: The Philippine National Railways (PNR) in the Bicol Region has ramped up train services and enhanced security measures to facilitate safe and organized transportation for commuters, devotees, and tourists during the 2026 Pe±afrancia Festival.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNR has launched 'Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pe±afrancia 2026,' which will see improved operations from September 11 to 20. This initiative includes additional train trips, increased passenger capacity, and heightened safety and security protocols. Joselina Geronimo, PNR's operations department manager, stated in an online press briefing that the agency anticipates a daily passenger volume of 6,000 to 7,000 during the festival, with potential peaks reaching 8,000 or more.
PNR currently operates three trainsets for the Pe±afrancia season, with configurations of three and two cars. Geronimo emphasized that PNR has fortified its security and passenger management strategies, especially at stations expected to experience high traffic, such as Naga, Iriga, Sipocot, Pamplona, and Lupi.
The agency has coordinated with municipal disaster risk reduction management councils, local governments, and the Philippine National Police. Police visibility has been requested at stations to ensure safety and order. Security personnel will carry out baggage inspections at major stations, utilizing scanners as part of the security measures.
PNR has disseminated passenger reminders, including 'dos and don'ts' and lists of prohibited items within stations and trains, through tarpaulins and other information materials. PNR train marshals and police will be fully deployed to maintain orderliness for the riding public.
About 100 operations department personnel will be stationed at various locations, while the engineering department in Naga will have approximately 150 maintenance personnel on heightened alert. The rolling stock and maintenance department will assign 68 personnel to oversee monitoring and preventive maintenance of the trainsets.
For emergency response, PNR will maintain a dispensary in Naga staffed by three nurses per shift, along with a standby ambulance and a passenger transport vehicle from its security group. Geronimo noted that PNR has intensified its information campaign among communities along the railway line to ensure residents are aware of the additional train operations.
PNR engineering department manager Engr. Jaypee Relleve reported that unauthorized railway crossings were closed prior to the reopening of the Naga-Iriga passenger service to safeguard pedestrians and trains. Six authorized crossings have been identified in Camarines Sur, covering Bato, Baao, Pili, and Bula, and four in Albay, covering Polangui, Ligao, and Oas.
