All Saints’ measures in place in Manila

All is set for next week’s observance of All Saints’ Day in the city’s public cemeteries, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said yesterday as he assured that adequate safety and traffic control measures are being put in place for the convenience of residents.

Atienza also announced that the "Bulaklakan ng Maynila" (formerly Dangwa) in Sampaloc will remain open for business the whole day of All Saints’ Day to serve residents who want to buy flowers for their departed loved ones.

The mayor added that wheechairs will likewise be made available at the entrance of the cemeteries as part of assistance provided by the Manila Youth volunteers for the convenience of handicapped residents going to the cemeteries.

At the same time, City Hall authorities reminded those who will visit cemeteries in the city – the North Cemetery, South Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery and the Chinese Cemetery to abide by these measures strategically posted in city cemeteries to ensure a solemn and trouble-free observance of All Saints Day.

Atienza directed the Manila Police District (MPD) to implement a security and crowd control system, including security checks at the entrances of the cemeteries.

In anticipation of the buildup in the volume of vehicles around the cemeteries, particularly in the vicinity of the North Cemetery, Chinese Cemetery and La Loma Cemetery, a traffic re-routing scheme would also be implemented from Oct. 31 until Nov 2.

Starting at 6 a.m. of Oct. 31 up to 6 a.m. of Nov. 2, Aurora Boulevard from Rizal Avenue up to Makiling St. and peripheral roads shall be closed. On the same period, Retiro St. from Aurora Ave. up to Blumentritt, Dimasalang St. from Calle Tiago to Blumentritt and Maceda St. from Retiro St. to Makiling St., shall be closed to vehicular traffic.

All vehicles coming from the north (Caloocan and Quezon City) going to Pier North (Manila) shall take C-3 Road towards Jose Abad Santos Avenue or Road 10. Vehicles coming from Quezon City going to Pier South (Ermita) shall take D. Tuazon St. or Mayon St. towards España St./A.H. Lacson Avenue (formerly Gov. Forbes Ave.) or to Quiapo as alternate routes.

Side streets beyond the road closures have been designated as parking areas with parallel parkng to be strictly implemented.

"We are reminding the public to take note of the restrictions set inside the cemeteries as well as the traffic re-routing scheme to avoid any undue inconvenience. We are also urging those who intend to clean up the graves and tombstones of their loved ones to do so before Monday," reminded Atienza.

The city government has also changed the layout of the North Cemetery entrance to make it more accessible. The gate and the center island have been removed and the entrance was moved back to create more space in front of the cemetery.