Marcos assures ‘safe, convenient’ Undas travel rush

A visitor prepares for Undas at the Pasay City Public Cemetery on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public on Friday that the government was ready to ensure safety and order as millions of Filipinos are expected to flock to cemeteries on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In a video message, Marcos laid out his administration’s measures in preparation for the anticipated influx of cemetery-goers this Undas. 

“Ngayong darating na Undas, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya o dadalaw sa mga sementeryo upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” he said. 

“Kaya nais nating tiyakin na magiging ligtas, maayos at maginhawa ang kanilang pagbiyahe at pagdalaw,” he added. 

(This Undas, many will go home to their provinces and visit cemeteries to remember and pray for their departed loved ones. We are ensuring that their travel and visit will be safe, smooth, and convenient.) 

The chief executive said the transportation department was inspecting ports and terminals to ensure welfare of passengers. 

Road inspections are also ongoing to avoid further traffic delays.

“Ang mga agarang repair ay tatapusin hanggang October 29 upang mabawasan ang abala sa trapiko sa pagdagsa ng biyahe,” he said. 

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved 1,000 special permits to augment buses. 

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for its part will issue special permits beginning October 29 until November 3 for an orderly schedule of ferry trips and additional routes if needed. 

“Para sa mga kababayan nating lilipad papasok o palabas ng bansa, tinitiyak natin na sapat ang tao at walang bakanteng immigration counter mula October 30 hanggang November 3,” Marcos added. 

The use of eGates will be further enhanced for faster queueing, while round-the-clock help desks will be in place in airport terminals from October 29 to November 3 to assist passengers.  

In Metro Manila, around 2,000 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority personnel will be deployed to man thoroughfares, particularly those near cemeteries.  

“Tiniyak natin na bawat sementeryo at kolumbaryo ay may pulis upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan at kaayusan. Ang Bureau of Fire Protection ay may nakahandang rumesponde kung sakaling magkaroon ng insidente,” Marcos said. 

Hospitals and emergency teams are also alerted for immediate medical response. 

“Patuloy rin ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at lokal na pamahalaan upang mabilis na makatugon sa anumang insidente,” he said. 

“Planuhin ang inyong biyahe at alamin ang mga abiso tungkol sa trapiko at pagbabago ng ruta. Kung gagamit ng pampublikong transportasyon, agahan ang pagpunta sa terminal. Kung maaari, bumili na ng ticket nang maaga,” he said. 

The President urged cemetery-goers to follow protocols for the solemn observance of this Undas.

“Mag-ingat din sa pagdadala at pagsisindi ng kandila. Sundin ang mga patakaran sa sementeryo at makipagtulungan sa ating mga awtoridad,” Marcos said. 

“At higit sa lahat, mag-ingat sa inyong paglalakbay. Bukas ang linya ng inyong mga lingkod sa pamahalaan upang alalayan kayo,” he said. 

Marcos said the 911 hotline and the official social media pages of various government agencies were available for emergencies. 

“Nariyan ang 911 para sa mga emergency, at mga official page ng DOTr, DPWH, DOH, MMDA, PNP at BFP para ipakalat ang mahahalagang impormasyon,” the president reiterated.

“Ang Undas ay panahon ng paggunita at pag-alala sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Nawa’y maging payapa at makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said.