MANILA Mayor Honey Lacuna has issued certai rules for the obswrvance of ‘Undas’ at the Manila North Cemetery and South Cemetery.
First, she urged residents who have loved ones that are interred at the two cemeteries being run by the city government to already clean or spruce up the tombs or mausoleums of their dearly departed, saying they have only until October 25 to do so.
Lacuna stressed that when the two cemeteries open for ‘Undas,” bringing in of tools will no longer be allowed.
She also said that Manila North Cemetery (MNC) director Yayay Castaneda and South Cemetery head Jonathan Garzo have been directed that interment or burial will be temporarily suspended from October 28 up to November 2 and will resume on November 3.
This is because of the expected volume of visitors expected during the said dates of suspension, especially at the MNC which is the biggest in the country in terms of area and number of visitors.
The mayor said that cremation will still continue to be allowed but only for COVID cases while the main gates of the said cemeteries will be open from 5 am to 5 pm starting October 29 up to November 2.
Lacuna said that children aged 12 or younger will not be allowed into the cemeteries.
“Mahigpit na ipagbabawal ang mga bata aged 12 pababa. ‘Wag na po nating dalhin sa ating mga sementeryo dahil una po, karamihan sa sa ating mga kabataan ay hindi pa bakunado kaya delikado pa rin sa kanila, dahil sigurado ako dadagsain po ang mga sementeryo,” she explained.
Those who are unvaccinated or have not completed their doses are discouraged from going to the cemeteries from October 29 to November 2 when the influx of visitors is expected.
“Bawal din ang videoke or sound system or kahit anon a magdudulot ng ingay dahil pupunta tayo dun sa sementeryo para dualaw at hindi magparty-party,” she said.
Lacuna added that no vehicles of any kind will also be allowed inside the cemeteries, along with all kinds of alcoholic drinks flammable materials, guns, sharp or pointed objects, playing cards, bingo cards or any gambling paraphernalia as she advised the visitors to bring their own food since no vendors will be allowed inside the two cemeteries. (Baby Cuevas)
