All eyes on Undas 2025
Where heroes lie In a world where honor and integrity have become harder to come by, we must look to our history to gain perspective on the issues haunting us until today, not least of which is by remembering our departed loved ones. A moment caught at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Wednesday, 29 October, as visitors arrive early to avoid the heavy foot traffic expected during the Undas observance.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN CARLO MAGALLON FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
Various government agencies are mobilizing personnel and launching special operations as thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to their home provinces for the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day or Undas.
The Land Transportation Office–National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) has initiated “Oplan Undas 2025” to ensure road safety and vehicle roadworthiness in Metro Manila.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao ordered all regional offices to implement the program as directed by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
LTO-NCR regional director Roque Verzosa III led a send-off ceremony in Quezon City, marking the official start of the initiative.
As part of the operation, law enforcement personnel are inspecting bus terminals across the capital to ensure public utility vehicles are fit for long-distance travel, with random roadside checks also intensified for both public and private vehicles at various checkpoints.
Verzosa stressed the agency’s commitment to public safety during the tradition.
“Undas is a cherished Filipino tradition. As it continues, the LTO will likewise continue to inspect bus terminals and other public utility vehicles to ensure the safety of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
Meantime, assistant regional director Atty. Dennis P. Barion directed the release of road safety advisories, reminding motorists to practice responsible driving. Barion urged drivers to check their vehicles thoroughly and remember the “BLOWBAGETS” safety checklist, which stands for Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires and Self.
The LTO-NCR aims for the operation to reduce road accidents and keep travelers safe.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will temporarily allow provincial buses to traverse EDSA 24 hours a day in preparation for the influx of passengers.
MMDA chairperson Don Artes announced the allowance would begin at 10 p.m. on 30 October and extend until 5 a.m. on 3 November 2025. Provincial buses from North Luzon may enter the terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from South Luzon are limited to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and Pasay City.
Artes said the move responds to the clamor of bus operators and aims to speed up vehicle turnaround time and improve passenger convenience, with operators assuring adherence to a “nose-in, nose-out” policy at terminals to manage traffic flow.
The MMDA has activated its own “Oplan Undas 2025” and will deploy 2,403 personnel, imposing a “no day-off, no absent” policy for strict enforcement. Personnel will be stationed at bus terminals, piers, airports, and five primary cemeteries, including Manila North and South Cemeteries and Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.
Traffic heads were also directed to coordinate with expressway authorities for the faster exit of vehicles from the metropolis. The MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group and Road Emergency Group are also on standby, with the Communications and Command Center monitoring traffic flow.
Local government units are also making preparations as Marikina City officials, including Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro, inspected several cemeteries, such as Loyola Memorial Park and Barangka Municipal Cemetery, on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the expected 600,000 cemetery-goers.
The city has mobilized personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, health office, police and rescue units. Teodoro called on the public to follow local guidelines, including proper waste disposal and refraining from littering.