MMDA coordinating with LGUs, PNP for Undas

Travelers wait for their trip at the bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City on October 27, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday said they have started coordinating with Metro Manila traffic heads, including the capital region's police office and the Highway Patrol Group, to prepare for the upcoming All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day commemoration.

Local government units have been advised to submit traffic plans — including the schedule of major road closures — ahead of time to prevent traffic congestion, especially on roads leading to cemeteries, according to MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Chief Atty. Victor Nunez.

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The MMDA has given LGUs until October 25 to submit their lists of road closures for major cemeteries in their areas, Nunez said in a televised briefing.

The MMDA has also coordinated with representatives of big terminals in Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay, Manila, and Parañaque for the expected exodus of Filipinos bound for the provinces starting this weekend.

Nunez said a total of 1,257 MMDA personnel will be deployed to manage the increased number of departing passengers

"Meron din kaming no day off, no absent policy during that time para ma-ensure 'yung augmentation ng aming mga enforcers," he said.

Nunez said the MMDA will be setting up commuter help desks and closely monitoring the situation from the agency's headquarters.

MANILA NORTH CEMETERY

Meanwhile, the management of Manila North Cemetery (MNC) reminds the public that the last day for cleaning tombs will be on October 26, 5 p.m.

The last day for cremation and interment at the MNC will be on October 29, MNC director Roselle "Yayay" Castañeda told ABS-CBN News.

MNC expects millions of people will flock to the cemetery from October 30 until November 3.

"'Yung mga matatalim na bagay, baril, maiingay na speakers, baraha, binggo cards - hindi po yan allowed. Bukod po dun, bawal din po ang pagdadala ng mga alagang hayop kagaya ng pusa at aso - hindi po 'yun papayagan. So ngayon pa lang dini-discourage po namin kayo, kahit ang idahilan nila ay bitbit naman po at karga-karga lang po," Castañeda said.

Last year, MNC recorded about 958,000 people on November 1 alone, Castañeda said.

MNC will implement a no-vendor policy inside the cemetery this year.

The main gate of the cemetery near the Chinese General Hospital will be the only entrance gate for everybody and cars will not be allowed to go inside starting October 30.

Castañeda said portable toilets will be available inside and outside the MNC.

E-trikes will also be deployed to service senior citizens and persons with disability.