METRO Manila cities have stepped up traffic management, cemetery maintenance, and security preparations for the 2026 All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day (collectively Undas) tradition.
In the city of Manila, Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said Friday they have completed preparations for Undas, with several offices and agencies coordinating to ensure an orderly observance of the Christian tradition.
In a chance interview, Domagoso said preparations involved the Philippine National Police, particularly the Manila Police District (MPD), the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD), the Manila Health Department, the Department of Engineering and Public Services (DEPS), the City Electrician, the City Engineering, and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau.
“For 10 days now, we’ve been preparing — the PNP, specifically the men and women of the Manila Police District, the MCDRRMD, the Manila Health Department, DEPS, City Electrician, City Engineering, and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau. We are ready,” Domagoso told the reporters.
The mayor urged the public to observe Undas as a solemn occasion for families to gather, remember their departed loved ones, and pray for their souls.
The MCDRRMD delivered 100 portable toilets for the city’s two public cemeteries, with 60 assigned to Manila North Cemetery and 40 to Manila South Cemetery.
“Our intention as a city is to make this occasion solemn, where families come together, visit the remains of our departed loved ones, and pray for the peace of their souls,” he said in Filipino.
Domagoso also said vendors would not be allowed inside cemeteries. Designated selling areas would instead be provided outside cemetery perimeters to allow vendors to sell without disrupting visitors.
Road closures
Road closures near the Manila North Cemetery will run from 12 a.m. on Oct. 30 until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1, the Manila Public Information Office said. Affected areas include parts of Blumentritt, Dimasalang, and Maceda streets, the northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge, and intersections along Aurora Boulevard and Blumentritt Road.
Motorists were advised to follow designated rerouting schemes. Parking areas are available along P. Guevarra, Felix Huertas, and Oroquieta streets, from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard.
Affected roads include Blumentritt Street from A. Bonifacio Avenue to Aurora Boulevard; Dimasalang Street to Retiro Street from Retiro Street to Calavite Street; Maceda Street from Makiling Street to Dimasalang Street; the northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge; Aurora Boulevard corner Leonor Rivera Street; and Blumentritt Road corner Leonor Rivera Street.
Motorists coming from Dimasalang Road and heading to Blumentritt Road should turn right on Simoun Street, while those coming from Quezon City via A. Bonifacio Avenue should turn left on Labo Street.
Vehicles from Maceda Street intending to use Dimasalang or Retiro streets should turn right on Simoun Street. Those from Aurora Boulevard heading to Dimasalang Street should turn right on Leonor Rivera Street, while motorists from Blumentritt Road heading to Aurora Boulevard should also turn right on Leonor Rivera Street.
Designated parking areas are along P. Guevarra, Felix Huertas, and Oroquieta streets, from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard.
The city government advised motorists to plan their trips and use alternate routes to avoid delays.
Marikina City, meanwhile, will implement a one-way eastbound traffic scheme on A. Bonifacio Avenue and Sumulong Highway from 6 a.m. on Oct. 31 until 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 2. Motorists heading to Loyola Memorial Park and Marikina City proper were advised to follow designated routes and traffic signs.
Mayor Maan Teodoro said that the city had conducted clearing operations and fogging at cemeteries, established command posts for police, social workers and medical teams, and deployed an animal rescue team to vaccinate stray dogs and cats. Personnel will monitor traffic and security around the clock from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
At Barangka Cemetery, the city is coordinating with families affected by the planned four-story ossuary and columbarium. Forms will be distributed to update records and help track remains, particularly those without updated information for more than five years.
Peace and order measures
Domagoso said the city had coordinated with police, health and disaster response offices, engineering units and traffic personnel to prepare for Undas. Vendors will not be allowed inside cemeteries but may sell in designated areas outside their perimeters. He reminded visitors that liquor, sharp objects, firearms, and karaoke are prohibited inside the cemetery.
Makati City held its final coordination meeting for Oplan Undas 2026, led by Public Safety Officer BGen. Rodelio Jocson and the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Participants included police, fire personnel, barangay officials, city departments, private-sector representatives, and officials from Manila, including representatives of Manila South Cemetery and the Manila DRRMO.
In Pasig, the city government conducted clearing, concreting, asphalting, repainting, trimming, and repair work at the Pasig City Public Cemetery, also known as Barracks. The city said its crematorium and columbarium are operational, and a roof has been placed on the columbarium’s roof deck.
Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano inspected the city cemetery to check clearing and cleaning work, particularly the removal of obstructions along pathways. She also visited bus and public transport terminals along Buendia-Taft, reminding operators to park properly and traffic enforcers to prevent illegal terminals that could cause congestion.
Marikina has also prohibited bladed weapons, alcohol, smoking and vaping, littering, excessive noise, climbing on tombs, and other activities inside cemeteries, including the use of plastic and Styrofoam.
In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora said additional security personnel, traffic enforcers, sanitation teams, and emergency responders would be deployed during Undas.
“So our expected visitors on Nov. 1 will be somewhere between 35,000 and 40,000,” Zamora told reporters during a visit to the San Juan City Cemetery on Oct. 23.
The cemetery’s visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to midnight. Firearms, bladed weapons, alcohol, and illegal drugs are prohibited, while gambling and entry by bicycles and motorcycles are not allowed. Vendors may operate only in designated areas.
Taguig City continued cleaning its cemeteries and setting up tents for help desks and command posts to assist visitors and maintain peace and order. The city reminded the public to follow cemetery rules, dispose of trash properly, secure their belongings, and cooperate with personnel.
Not to be outdone, the Eastern Police District (EPD) assured the public that enforcement of security, traffic management, emergency response, and public safety measures will be synchronized ahead of the influx of cemetery visitors and travelers during Undas.
In its Inter-Agency Coordinating Meeting in Preparation for a Safe and Secure Undas 2026 in Metro East Area conducted the other day, EPD director BGen. Roman Arugay said that through the concerted efforts of the police and partner agencies, the EPD seeks to maintain peace and order, ensure smooth traffic flow, provide prompt emergency assistance, and safeguard the public throughout the observance.
Arugay stressed that the activity underscored the EPD's commitment to proactive planning, operational readiness, and strengthened inter-agency cooperation in ensuring a safe, orderly, and secure Undas 2026 for residents and visitors across the Metro East Area.WITH A REPORT FROM FRANCISCO TUYAY
