Memorial parks given last-minute checks

Local government officials conducted last-minute checks at various cemeteries in Metro Manila, with Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro calling on his constituents to help in ensuring the safe and orderly observance of Undas 2022.

Teodoro inspected all five cemeteries in the city, accompanied by local police and key city hall officials. The mayor underscored the importance of following the minimum health protocols against Covid-19 at memorial parks.

He said that while the wearing of masks has become voluntary on the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., it is encouraged by the Marikina government for "added protection" against the virus.

The local chief executive assured the public that personnel at city-managed cemeteries had been fully vaccinated with booster shots as Marikina has a very high vaccination rate.

He said medical workers are also on standby at cemeteries for health emergencies.

Teodoro warned the public not to bring prohibited items inside cemeteries like firearms, bladed weapons, alcoholic drinks, gambling paraphernalia and loudspeakers.

The five cemeteries situated in Marikina are the Loyola Memorial Park, Barangka Municipal Cemetery, Aglipay Cemetery, Holy Child Cemetery, and Our Lady of the Abandoned Cemetery.

The city government has also opened a one-stop shop for those buying candles and flowers at Freedom Park, located right in front of the city hall.

Other local government executives in Manila, Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, Pateros and Makati, among others, also trooped to cemeteries within their jurisdictions to check on preparations for Undas.

In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded her constituents to keep cemeteries clean by not resorting to indiscriminate dumping of trash in "sacred places to honor the departed."

The city reported that many people have trooped Monday to cemeteries on the eve of All-Saints' Day today.

"We appeal to the general public to keep the cemeteries free of litter for the health, safety, and convenience of everyone. Keeping our cemeteries litter-free is not only pleasing to the eyes but also a good way to show our awareness and responsibility toward the environment," Belmonte said.

She said that the no-mask, no-entry policy shall be enforced in all of the city's cemeteries as she encouraged visitors not to bring children aged 12 and below, especially if unvaccinated. She also urged those with symptoms like cough and fever to stay at home.

The LGU said the Bagbag and Novaliches cemeteries will remain open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. until 5 November. Interment in the public cemeteries has been suspended from 28 October to 2 November.