MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang assured the public yesterday that the government is ready for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, including the exodus of passengers to provinces.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos had ordered agencies to monitor the observance of Undas before leaving for South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
“He (Marcos) has directed concerned government agencies to prepare for Undas. Even the prices of goods are being monitored so our consumers will have a better experience and there will be no price increase,” Castro said at a press briefing yesterday.
“The level of readiness of the government for Undas is very high,” she added.
The Department of Health (DOH) has raised “code white alert” in all hospitals and health facilities nationwide to ensure the readiness of medical services for visitors to cemeteries and motorists.
The DOH also set up emergency tents along expressways to assist motorists needing medical attention.
The DOH earlier said over 20 health emergency response teams will be deployed in large cemeteries located in Metro Manila.
The agency reminded those visiting departed loved ones to wear comfortable clothing and bring drinking water, hat or umbrella and hand sanitizer.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority has recorded at least 952,258 passengers in various ports in the last five days amid the passenger exodus for Undas.
The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed 5,235 frontline personnel as it placed all its districts, stations and sub-stations on heightened alert from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4.
Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP has deployed over 50,000 officers in cemeteries, memorial parks, transportation hubs, churches and other areas of convergence.
Police officers are also securing tourist destinations as people are expected to go on vacation during the long weekend.
The Heritage Collective launched online maps marking the graves and tombs of historical figures in various cemeteries in the City of Manila.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said she hopes that unity and hope prevail for every Filipino during Undas.
“It’s my hope that we take to our heart the true essence of faith, appreciation to the saints and passionate memory to our departed loved ones,” Duterte said in her message. — Bella Cariaso, Rhodina Villanueva, Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano