PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino 3rd on Wednesday assured the public that the government is on heightened alert to ensure the safety of those traveling to the provinces on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has expressed readiness for the occasion and the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against buying food in cemeteries. Cemetery administrators, meanwhile, expect hundreds of thousands of people to visit their dead tomorrow.

President Aquino said that security in airports, seaports and bus terminals had been raised to ensure the passengers’ safe journey. The Philippine National Police also beefed up police visibility in cemeteries, churches and other public places to respond to people’s needs more quickly.

Earlier, Mr. Aquino visited major terminals in Metro Manila, including the domestic departure areas of Terminal 3 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the PhilTranco Bus Terminal in Pasay City.

The President said that he was satisfied with the government’s preparations for a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day.

Inspection
As part of his agency’s “Oplan Kaluluwa,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino personally inspected some cemeteries in Metro Manila to ensure that things are in order.

Tolentino said that the MMDA will not only help in the traffic management of areas near cemeteries, but also help in ensuring public safety.

He also said that the MMDA has already set up closed-circuit television camera-equipped vans at the Manila North and South Cemeteries, as well as Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Careful
Eduardo Janairo, regional director of the DOH’s Center for Health Development-National Capital Region, said that the public should be careful in buying food in cemeteries.

“Be wary in buying peddled foods from ambulant vendors around the cemeteries as there is no guarantee of safety and sanitation. You should bring your own food and bring only those that are not immediately perishable,” Janairo said.

“Children should not be brought to cemeteries as they are more prone to contracting diseases. Older persons may also not tolerate crowded conditions in most cemeteries,” he added.

Two million visitors
Eddie Noriega, the director of the Manila North Cemetery in Sta. Cruz, Manila, said that at least two million visitors are expected to flock to the cemetery, where at least 900,000 to one million people are buried.

Noriega said that the necessary preparations have been made to accommodate those visiting their dead.

He also said that cemetery officials have demolished shanties inside the cemetery, as well as the stairs illegally installed outside its walls.

Meanwhile, Henry Dy, director of the Manila South Cemetery in Makati City, said that at least 800,000 people are expected to visit the estimated 375,000 people interred in the cemetery.
Dy said that directional and warning signs have been posted in conspicuous areas in the cemetery.

City engineer Armand Andres said that all lights have been checked to ensure that they are working. He added that roads were also checked for potholes and the drainage system has been declogged.

With reports from Ritchie A. Horario and Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz