Gov’t agencies, cemeteries all set for Undas 2026

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority together with different local government units in the metro conducted an inter-agency coordination meeting in preparation for Undas 2026 or this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day activities.

Representatives of several cities in NCR that include Quezon City, San Juan, Marikina and other stakeholders joined the meeting presided over by MMDA chairman Romando Artes.

Atty. Victor Nuñez, director of MMDA’s Traffic Enforcement Group said, more than 2,000 MMDA personnel will be deployed in strategic areas in NCR for the Oplan Undas 2026.

It was agreed upon during the meeting that all LGUs, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and all stakeholders will set up help desks in at least five major cemeteries in NCR: Manila North Cemetery in Manila, Manila South Cemetery in Makati City, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, and Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.

Manila North Cemetery, the biggest public cemetery in Metro Manila, is expecting about 2 million visitors during this year’s Undas.

“Last year namin 1.8 [million], tingin ko ngayon close to 2 million kasi nagkataon na ‘yung 31 natin Sabado, November 1, Linggo — tingin ko mas marami inaasahan namin ngayon,” cemetery director, Daniel Tan, told ABS-CBN News.

Tan encouraged the public to maintain cleanliness during All Saint’s Day, urging them to bring their own trash bags.

Tan said “Puntod Finder,” which can be accessed through through www.manilanorthcemetery.ph, can help those who might encounter problems in finding the tomb of their departed loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Manila South Cemetery, located in Makati City, introduced a new feature in its “Puntod Finder” — an “emergency button.”

“Meron tayong inilunsad na puntod finder… Meron tayong dinagdag para mas mabilis silang makahingi ng responde. Meron tayong emergency button…kung nasa malayo sila, mas mabilis silang makakahingi ng medical assistance,” Manila South Cemetery Director John Mark Mendez told ABS-CBN News.

Mendez said they are expecting about 600,000 to 700,000 guests this year, just a little higher than last year.

Manila Police District Public Information Officer Police Major Philipp Ines said they will deploy 1,500 police personnel in strategic locations in Manila this year.

Ines once again reminded the public to be mindful in posting their activities on social media.

Also on Wednesday, officials of the Philippine Ports Authority said they inspected several ports in Metro Manila in preparation for the Undas exodus.

The PPA will also reactivate its Online Reservation Assistance System as more passengers are expected to travel for the Undas.