Mandaluyong all set Undas — Abalos

The city government of Mandaluyong has expressed readiness for the commemoration of All Saints' Day and All-Souls' Day on 1 to 2 November with the cleaning and sanitation of its three primary cemeteries.

Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the disinfecting and cleaning of the cemeteries already started last week.

Those with loved ones at the Garden of Life, Roman Catholic Cemetery (San Felipe Neri), and Paradise Park should only have to worry about repainting the tombstones, niches, mausoleums and similar structures.

Ten e-tricycles are also set to be deployed on 1 November to give free rides for those going to the cemeteries from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the mayor said.

Abalos is encouraging individuals visiting cemeteries to wear masks and observe basic health protocols like the use of hand sanitizers.

Children five years old and above who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter cemeteries as long as they are accompanied by adults.

Senior citizens can visit cemeteries but they are encouraged to stay at home for their safety and well-being.

For families whose departed relatives were cremated at the GLP, Abalos said they may take home the urns from the columbarium seven days ahead of the Undas celebration to pay their respects and return them seven days after.

The practice of taking home the urns was started by former city mayor and now Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to reduce the number of individuals visiting the GLP during Undas.

The city has also prepared a traffic rerouting scheme affecting the areas around the cemeteries that will take effect starting today until 2 November.