Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan reminded the public of the Clean As You Go or CLAYGO policy and announced that solid waste management measures have been implemented in Manila North and South cemeteries, following the tons of garbage hauled in on October 31.

She said some 44 metric tons of garbage were collected from the North Cemetery, equivalent to over 15 truckloads, while about 50 truckloads of trash were hauled from the South Cemetery.

In the initial reports, the mayor said around 14,000 visitors were recorded on October 30 and that they expect more visitors from October 31 to November 2 because of the long holiday weekend and good weather. 

She reiterated that overnight stays are not allowed in the public cemeteries. She also said the total number of visitors could exceed last year’s record of 1.7 million.

“While we have cleanup measures in place, we still appeal to all cemetery visitors to Clean As You Go or CLAYGO, so that they do not leave trash at the gravesites and along the pathways within the cemeteries. They can bring trash bags with them before they enter the cemetery premises and deposit the filled bags at the exits before they leave,” the Lacuna-Pangan requested.

The local chief executive also appealed to the visitors to refrain from bringing in banned items, such as firearms, knives, alcoholic beverages, and sound systems.

“The cemeteries are not places for anyone to bring guns, knives, and icepicks. Only the police are allowed to have firearms on the premises. If you have personal safety and security concerns, seek the assistance of the police as you enter the cemetery and deposit your weapons with them,” the mayor added.