MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos. Image from MMDA / PIO chief Sharon Gentalian
MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council (MMC) unanimously approved a resolution to encourage the local government units to close cemeteries and memorial parks during Undas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday.
The MMC, in a resolution dated Sunday but was released to the media on Tuesday, said cemeteries and memorial parks had been ordered shut from October 29 to November 2.
“Baka pwedeng ngayon pa lang, pumunta na, para hindi magkahawahan,” MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos said in a press briefing. “That is the purpose of this.”
(Maybe the public could visit the cemeteries now [and not wait for Undas] to avoid the transmission of the virus.)
READ: Metro Manila Council resolution urging local government units in NCR to close cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2. | @JEMendozaINQ pic.twitter.com/glRh2BNBPE
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 12, 2021
The cemeteries and memorial parks are subject to a 30 percent capacity limitation, according to the resolution.
“As for the conduct of wakes, necrological services, funerals, internment, cremation, and increment during this five-day period, the prescribed guidelines by the Inter-Agency Taskforce for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases shall govern,” the resolution read.
Metro Manila mayors are expected to make ordinances and executive orders to enact the resolution.
RELATED STORY:
‘Undas’ 2021: Cemeteries, columbaria in Manila City closed – LGU