IN anticipation of the influx of visitors to various cemeteries in the city under the new normal, the local government unit (LGU) of Marikina City has laid down its guidelines and policies to ensure the safe and orderly observance of Undas 2022 amid the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, on Monday, October 31, inspected all five cemeteries in the city. He was accompanied by the local police headed by P/Lt Col. Earl Castillo and key city hall officials.

Teodoro underscored the importance of following the minimum public health and safety protocols during the observance of this year’s All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov.2). He noted that wearing of face mask is voluntary but is highly encouraged for “added protection” against COVID-19.

“Hinihikayat natin ang publiko na magsuot pa rin ng face mask, mag-social distancing, at sumunod sa iba pang mga health at safety protocols na ipinapatupad sa mga sementeryo para manatiling ligtas ang paggunita ng Undas ngayong taon,” said.

The mayor noted that the staff and personnel of cemeteries in the city have been fully vaccinated and have also received their booster shots, adding that Marikina has a very high vaccination rate.

Mayor Marcy said medical personnel was also on standby in all five cemeteries in the city to provide necessary medical attention and care.

“Nandiyan pa rin ang banta ng nakakahawang COVID-19. Ang pagsunod sa minimum health standards, pagpapabakuna, at pagpapaturok ng booster shots ang pinakamabisang sandata para malabanan at maiwasan ang COVID-19,” he said.

Mayor Marcy has also urged cemetery-goers to follow the necessary policies and guidelines imposed by cemetery administrators.

The mayor has issued the following guidelines to be observed during this year’s Undas:

• Selling of flowers, candles, etc., is allowed in the vicinity of the cemeteries provided they are located inside the seller’s property and NOT ON SIDEWALKS.

• Signages encouraging cemetery-goers to wear masks and observe minimum health standards shall be posted at the entrances.

• Signages c/o the PNP regarding items NOT ALLOWED to be brought inside the cemetery shall be posted at the entrances.

• UNLESS OTHERWISE NECESSARY, depending on the traffic situation, the one-way scheme along A. Bonifacio Ave shall be implemented starting 6:00 a.m., Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 until 12:00 MN, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.

• Health Emergency Personnel and Public Safety Officers shall be located in strategic areas in the vicinity of the cemeteries.

As such, Mayor Marcy has reminded the public not to bring prohibited items inside cemeteries, such as firearms, bladed weapons, alcoholic drinks, gambling paraphernalia, and loudspeakers.

He also urged people exhibiting COVID-like symptoms not to visit cemeteries for the safety of the public.

“Pinapayuhan natin ang mga indibidwal na may COVID-like symptoms tulad ng sipon, lagnat, at diarrhea na huwag nang magpunta sa mga sementeryo. Maiging ipagpaliban na muna ang kanilang pagbisita at magpagaling muna para maiwasan ang hawaan ng sakit,” Mayor Marcy noted.

The mayor is bullish that the observance of this year’s Undas will be orderly and peaceful as all personnel of the city government has been mobilized—Health, the local police, Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS), Marikina Rescue 161, Waste Management, other concerned departments, and other force multipliers that will be stationed in the five cemeteries in the city.

The five cemeteries situated in Marikina are Loyola Memorial Park, Barangka Municipal Cemetery, Aglipay Cemetery, Holy Child Cemetery, and Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA) Cemetery.

The city government has also opened a one-stop shop for candles and flowers at Freedom Park, located right in front of the City Hall. It was dubbed, “Pag-alala sa mga Yumao: Candles & Flowers One-Stop-Shop.”

Marikina also implemented traffic schemes implemented in the city to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.