Manila North, Pasay cemeteries prepare for Undas
People flock to the Manila North Cemetery to visit their departed loved ones in observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1, 2024 in Manila. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Manila North Cemetery is preparing for the influx of visitors during the upcoming Undas, with officials expecting around two million people to visit the cemetery.
Manila North Cemetery Director Dandan Tan said preparations are underway, with the help of volunteers and personnel from various agencies, to ensure the safety and orderly flow of visitors.
The cemetery is also equipped with a public address system and speakers to broadcast announcements, including reports of missing persons.
Officials have prepared identification wristbands for children, where parents or guardians can write their names and contact numbers in case they get separated.
Meanwhile, additional high-tech CCTV cameras were installed to further strengthen security and monitoring inside the cemetery.
The cemetery expects the biggest crowds on October 31 and November 1.
Grave cleaning activities will only be allowed until 6 p.m. on October 27, while vehicles will be permitted to enter the cemetery on October 28 .
Visitors are advised to bring their own trash bags to help maintain cleanliness inside the cemetery.
Authorities will prohibit sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, gambling, sound systems, and animals within the premises.
An express lane will also be available for visitors who are not carrying any belongings, allowing them to bypass the baggage inspection checkpoint.
Meanwhile, Pasay City local officials inspected the Pasay Public Cemetery on Tuesday as part of its preparations for the upcoming observance of Undas.
The inspection included cleanup operations and flushing to ensure the cemetery is clean and ready for visitors.
“As early as August talagang tinigtinan ng maigi itong pangangailangan para sa pagdating Undas. And then last week nag-meeting ulit kami para ipaalala lahat ng gagawin ng mga department na aming katuwang,” said Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
The city government expects around 10,000 to 12,000 people to visit the cemetery during the observance.
Meanwhile, vehicles will not be allowed to enter the cemetery on October 29, 30, and 31. Visitors are advised to walk when entering the premises.
The city will also implement a scheduled visitation system, with designated time slots for visitors to help manage the expected crowd.