Manila North Cemetery expects visitor influx starting Oct. 31; early crowds thin

MANILA — Early morning crowds at the Manila North Cemetery remained thin on Friday, with authorities expecting the main surge of visitors to begin over the weekend.

Manila North Cemetery Director Daniel Tan noted that the ongoing school and work schedule might have contributed to the light foot traffic during the early hours of the day.

“Ngayon medyo wala pa eh. Tingin ko yan bukas talagang buhos niya, [Oct.] 31 at [Nov.] 1,” Tan said. 

In preparation for the incoming crowds, cemetery management reiterated safety guidelines and listed prohibited items. 

Tan reminded visitors to refrain from bringing sharp objects, pets, gambling materials, alcoholic beverages, and loud sound equipment.

“Ang paalala natin, taon-taon natin ay sinasabi sa kanila, huwag na po sila magdala ng maraming, yung mga bawal po,huwag na po sila magdala. Tulad po ng mga, anuman uri ng mga kutsilyo, spatula, cutter o itak o barel, anuman uri ng hayop, anuman uri ng mga uri ng pagsusugal, yung mahjong, paraha, yung mga inuming alak, yung bawal po yan,” Tan warned. “Yung mga sound system, gitara, yung mga palalit na bluetooth… pinagbabawal yan.”

He urged the public to practice proper waste disposal during their visit, saying, “Sana magdala po tayo ng garbage bag para yung basura po natin may uwi.”

To assist visitors in locating the graves of their deceased loved ones, management said an online tool lists section details, grave addresses, and interactive maps.

“Meron po tayong puntod finder… Makikita nyo po yung section ng mahal nyo po sa buhay. Search nyo po yung name,anong man pangalan, lalabas po yung section, grave. Tapos yung address po, may map po. Pag-view nyo po yung map, may circle po yung map. So, madali po natin mapuntahan,” Tan said.

The system also integrates support features for assistance and urgent situations. 

“Meron din po kaming helpline doon na makikita nyo po live chat. Kung meron po kayong gusto yung parating sa opisina o kung meron po emergency, pindutin nyo lang po yung emergency o live chat at meron po tayong mga taong sasagot,” he added.