By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Valenzuela City government announced on Saturday, Oct. 29, the temporary closure of public cemeteries in the city due to heavy rainfall brought by Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng."
The local government currently conducts a post-typhoon assessment, including clean-up and clearing operations in public cemeteries.
The city government said a total of 192 families or 1,028 residents evacuated in 10 evacuation centers in the city, 147 families or 157 residents of which had already returned home as of 10 a.m.
The city government also distributed hot meals, food packs, and family hygiene kits to the evacuates.
Meanwhile, Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian recently inspected the cemeteries in the city in preparation for Undas.
Gatchalian said over 20 portalets or portable toilets were deployed in the city's public cemeteries as part of the Valenzuela hygiene program.
The city guidelines and corresponding penalty fees for violators were posted on the community billboard and public cemeteries' gates for residents' easy reference.
The mayor reminded the residents to comply with the implemented guidelines to avoid being fined.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, the city government allowed private cemeteries to reopen at 11 a.m. Public cemeteries will be open on Monday, Oct. 31, it said.