REMEMBERING THE DEAD. Visitors flock to the Manila North Cemetery in observance of All Saints' Day on Wednesday (Nov. 1, 2023). With the relaxing of pandemic restrictions, many Filipinos have returned to the practice of visiting their dear departed in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria for this year's “Undas” holidays. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to reflect on everyone’s purpose and to remember the courage of saints and the deceased.
“As we celebrate the saints’ staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God’s guidance. At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world,” Marcos said in his message for the observance of this year's All Saints' Day and All Souls’ Day.
The President said the people’s earnest obedience to the holy obligation throughout the centuries has given birth to the traditions that Filipinos carry until today.
These traditions, he said, display the essence of the Filipino culture and give utmost importance to faith and family.
Marcos said the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day allows Filipinos to reunite with their loved ones.
“Let the examples of faith demonstrated by our forebears bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth, as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ," he added.
Celebrated on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, is a Christian solemnity dedicated to all saints, martyrs, and holy individuals both known and unknown.
On the other hand, All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2 is called the commemoration of the faithful departed, where people remember their departed loved ones, along with their souls in purgatory.
Still on alert
The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, remains on full alert for the Undas holidays following the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a statement Wednesday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said a total of 27,161 police personnel have been deployed to some 3,808 memorial parks, cemeteries and columbaria to maintain peace and order, deter criminal activities and respond to emergency situations.
Fajardo said these police officers would be augmented by force multipliers and personnel from other law enforcement agencies.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. advised the public to remain vigilant in securing their homes as they travel for the observance and exercise caution in visiting crowded areas.
He also encouraged all citizens to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.
“The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone," he added.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, over 828,000 visitors have flocked to various cemeteries nationwide based on the report of the PNP Monitoring Center.
Region 1 (Ilocos) recorded the most number of visitors at 277,000, followed by the National Capital Region at 222,000 and Central Luzon at 117,000.
Solemn observance
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on the public to keep the solemnity of the Undas holidays.
He reminded the public to observe established rules while visiting the cemeteries which include a ban on bringing deadly weapons and intoxicating drinks.
Abalos said gambling, playing loud music, smoking or vaping and staying overnight in the cemeteries are prohibited.
The DILG chief also advised them to get the phone numbers of local public assistance desks which they can immediately call in case of emergencies.
During his visit to cemeteries on Wednesday, Abalos commended the local government units of Manila and Caloocan City, the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection for adequately preparing for the ‘Undas’ observance despite their tight schedules due to the just concluded village and youth polls. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
