MMDA prepares for ‘Undas,’ urges public to keep cemeteries clean

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged the public to keep cemeteries clean and tidy as part of the early preparations to ensure an orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

“We are calling on the public to keep cemeteries clean and tidy,” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

“We leave the responsibility of cleaning inside cemeteries to local government units,” he added.

The MMDA listed the Manila North Cemetery in Manila,  Manila South Cemetery in Makati City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, and the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City as the major cemeteries under MMDA’s watch.

The agency also noted that members of Task Force Special Operations are currently clearing roads leading to cemeteries of obstructions while Metro Parkway Clearing Group personnel are sprucing up the vicinity of major cemeteries within Metro Manila.

Once “Oplan Undas 2018” is activated on October 27, the MMDA said more than 2,000 traffic personnel will be deployed to critical areas throughout the day to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on major thoroughfares and  traffic-prone areas in the metropolis.

Garcia also said that MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim declared a “No Dayoff, No Absent” policy for MMDA traffic personnel from October 27 to November 3.

Garcia advised the public to familiarize themselves with the traffic re-routing schemes that local government units will implement in their respective localities.

Meanwhile, the Road Emergency Group will set up tents for Public Assistance Centers in the four cemeteries and dispatch ambulances to provide emergency medical services to cemetery goers, according to the MMDA.

The Metrobase Command Center was also tasked to help authorities monitor the traffic condition on major roads as well as emergencies. /ee