President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is hopeful that remembering the saints and departed loved ones will bring healing to the Filipino nation.

In his message for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, the President on Sunday urged Filipinos to use this time to reflect to help them cope with anguish and distress.

"It taught us to number our days as we realize the uncertainty of our time on Earth. It made us contemplate what it truly means to live a meaningful life and to die free of regrets and at peace with oneself," he said.

The global Covid-19 pandemic, he said, has prompted all people to "come to terms with mortality".

"As we gain momentum towards complete recovery, I pray that our efforts to remember the saints and our late loved ones will bring healing to our hearts," he said. "May it likewise reinforce the foundations of our faith and compel us to live with genuine love and compassion in all of our days."

Marcos said holidays will serve as a reminder "to strive, live Christ-centered lives, and fulfill our life's purpose until we meet our Creator."

The country annually observes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day every 1 and 2 November, respectively.

The government has declared 31 October and 1 November as non-working holidays. Some local government units allow only fully or partially vaccinated individuals, including children, in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria.

While mask-wearing is now optional in indoor and outdoor areas, except for medical facilities, everyone is encouraged to keep on wearing their masks and observe minimum public health standards in the cemetery.

PNP ready

Meanwhile, as Filipinos flocked to cemeteries, the 192,000-strong Philippine National Police stood guard to ensure peace and order, according to PNP chief, P/Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

The PNP on Monday joined the nation in the solemn traditional observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day through their religious devotions and paying homage to their who dearly departed.

"We humbly request that you include in your prayers our departed brothers and sisters in the uniformed services the nameless and countless policemen, soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have crossed into the great beyond through their own unselfish offering of supreme sacrifice to let generations see our country free. May their brave souls rest in peace,"Azurin said.

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