MANILA — Local governments across Metro Manila have issued cemetery visitation guidelines for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
MANILA CITY
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna announced that pets will not be permitted inside Manila South and North Cemeteries. On Monday, she and city officials conducted an inspection of Manila South Cemetery.
“Hindi po natin papayagan na makapasok muna or dalhin ang mga pets natin para na rin sa proteksyon ng ating mga pets pati na rin po yung mga kababayan natin na tutungo dito,” Lacuna stated.
Henry Dy, officer-in-charge at Manila South Cemetery, anticipates 500,000 to 800,000 visitors. Meanwhile, up to 1.5 million visitors are expected at Manila North Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at both cemeteries.
“Ang influx kasi ng mga dumadalaw is November 1 talaga, expect po natin around 500 to 800,000 talaga dadalaw dito. Advise lang natin lalo na yung mga senior, aga-agahan hong pagpunta rito nang sa ganon ay hindi pa masyadong matao. Bawal na po ang sasakyan from October 30 to November 3, open din po ang gate natin sa dalaw from 5:00 a.m. hanggang 7:00 p.m. lang po. Wala po tayong overnight, kasi after ng 7:00 p.m. para may time pa kami maglinis para kinabukasan,” Dy explained.
SAN JUAN CITY
In San Juan City, Mayor Francis Zamora announced pets are allowed in San Juan Cemetery, urging visitors to plan visits, especially for seniors and persons with disabilities, to avoid crowding.
“Wala naman pong problema sa pets, we just have to be responsible. Kung kaya ‘wag sana tayong sabay-sabay sa October 31 at November 1 pumunta para lang ho hindi sabay-sabay,” Zamora noted.
San Juan’s LGU shared do’s and don’ts for cemetery visits on social media. Visiting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.
“Based sa aming historical data, yung mga pamilyang dumadalaw po ay enough naman po hanggang 12-midnight. Hindi naman po kalakihan ang aming sementeryo kumpara po sa iba,” Zamora said.
Only 18 vendors with special permits may operate outside the cemetery. Firearms, bladed weapons, liquor, and playing cards are prohibited and will be confiscated at the entrance.
San Juan City police will deploy bike patrollers in and around the cemetery for security, and a help desk will be available at the entrance for visitor assistance. Zamora added that the St. John the Baptist Columbary and Santuario del Sto. Cristo Crypt are prepared for visitors as well.