MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed over 1,800 traffic, clearing, and emergency personnel in cemeteries and transport terminals throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) for the coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls' Day on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, respectively, locally known as "Undas".
In a ‘Laging Handa’ interview on Friday, MMDA Spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said 1,500 MMDA enforcers have already been dispatched in bus terminals and cemeteries to manage traffic as well as 300 personnel from the Metro Parkway Clearing Group.
“In addition to this po, may mga rescue personnel on standby rin, just in case of any emergencies (In addition, there are rescue personnel on standby in case of any emergencies),” Carunungan said.
From Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, she said number coding will be suspended to cater to the transportation needs of the public and warned of possible vehicular congestion, especially around cemeteries.
“The MMDA will be there to help in the traffic management in those areas,” she said.
MMDA personnel have also cleared roadways from provincial bus terminals to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to help ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
“We’ve helped din po sa pruning at trimming of the trees po sa mga cemeteries. During Undas naman po ay may mga personnel po sila that will do the cleaning tapos we will help po after Undas (We helped in the trimming and pruning of trees in cemeteries. During Undas, there will also be personnel to clean and we’ll also help after Undas),” she said.
In addition, she said there will be public assistance centers deployed by the MMDA in major public cemeteries.
She noted that the influx of passengers and vehicles occurred from Friday up to Saturday morning and advised those traveling during this period to expect congestion.
“Gusto ko lang ipa-remind sa kanila is to continue to be disciplined po and to be wary rin po ng mga safety and health protocols (I would like to remind them to continue being disciplined and to be wary of safety and health protocols),” she said. (PNA)
