In preparation for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, locally known as "Undas," the Caloocan city government, led by the City Environmental Management Department (CEMD) and the Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD), conducted cleanup operations in local public cemeteries.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said the early preparation is aimed at anticipating the large volume of visitors who will be visiting their deceased loved ones.
"Gaya po ng mga nangyari noong nagdaang taon, inaasahan na po nating dadagsa muli ang mga kababayan natin upang dalawin ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay (Just like what happened in the past years, we expect that our fellow citizens will once again troop to the cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones)," Malapitan said on Saturday, Oct. 14.
"Mas mainam na po'ng maaga na nating simulan ang paghahanda upang makatulong na rin lalo na sa mga bisitang bi-biyahe pa mula sa iba’t-ibang probinsya ( It is better to start preparing early to provide assistance, especially to visitors traveling from provinces)," he added.
The mayor reminded the public to remain vigilant, as this season presents an opportunity for wrongdoers to exploit the large crowds.
"Ngayon pa lamang po, pinapaalalahanan na natin ang ating mga kababayan na bago bumisita sa mga sementeryo ay paghandaan na ang mga dadalhi at mga rutang dadaanan upang maiwasan ang mga aberya (At this early stage, we are reminding our fellow citizens to plan ahead before visiting cemeteries, including the items they will bring and the routes they will take to avoid mishaps)," Malapitan stressed.
Maging mapagmatyag din sa mga posibleng emergency situations na maaring mangyari sa inyong mga lugar (Be vigilant about potential emergency situations that may occur in your area as well)," he noted.
Moreover, the mayor emphasized that authorities will be available during these days in case any unwanted circumstances occur.
"Nakahanda na po ang mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod na magbigay ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan sa darating na Undas (The city government staff are prepared to provide assistance to those in need during the upcoming All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day observance)," he explained.
"Para sa lahat ng mga concerns, huwag mag-alinlangan na ipagbigay-alam ang mga ito sa mga awtoridad (For all concerns, do not hesitate to report them to the authorities. )," he added.
The city government said that it has already cleaned 70 percent of all public cemeteries and will also conduct operations in private cemeteries before the end of the month.