SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — After a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has allowed trick or treating in residential areas as part of this premier Freeport observance of Halloween on the last day of October.

According to SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino, the observance of All Hallow's Eve has been a long tradition inside the Subic Bay Freeport, spanning the era when the area was still a United States naval base.

He added that trick or treating will be allowed as long as trick or treaters will strictly comply with the minimum health and safety protocols such as wearing of masks, social distancing, immediate washing of hands after the activity, and the use of alcohol spray after contact.

Public Relations Manager Armie Llamas assured that the agency is set to provide security in areas to control the flow of people going to the residential areas during the celebration of Halloween.

"This is a fun activity that has been long overdue since the start of the pandemic. We want people to know that the agency is looking out for the welfare of residents and visitors inside the Freeport," Llamas said.

Halloween is a contraction of All Hallows' Eve, which is observed on 31 October, the evening before All Saints' Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls' Day.

Trick or treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries.

In the evening before All Saints' Day (1 November), children in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase "Trick or treat."