Ilocos Norte to regulate visits to cemeteries during ‘Undas’

Children will be allowed to visit their departed loved ones in cemeteries as the provincial government is set to lift all age restrictions during “Undas.” (Photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte provincial government)

LAOAG CITY—The government of Ilocos Norte has asked local government units (LGUs) in the province to come up with a schedule to regulate the visits of their residents to local cemeteries during this year’s “Undas.”

Aside from cemeteries, visits would also be regulated in columbaria and memorial parks depending on the schedule to be imposed on their towns and cities, the provincial government said in an advisory on Monday, October 4.

The LGUs may issue a “clustering scheme” on dates that are close to All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) to allow their residents to visit their departed relatives while adhering to strict health protocols in place due to COVID-19.

At least 15 members are allowed to visit in groups or families, and the total number of visitors at the cemeteries should not exceed 40 percent of the venue capacity.

Age restrictions would be temporarily lifted during the scheduled cemetery visits, according to the provincial government.

It said it “fully recognizes the tradition of the Ilocanos in paying respect to their departed loved ones.” INQ