The Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Tuesday it had started its preparations to ensure an orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.
This early, members of agency’s Task Force Special Operations are now clearing roads leading to cemeteries of obstructions while Metro Parkway Clearing Group personnel are sprucing up the vicinity of major cemeteries within Metro Manila.
“We leave the responsibility of cleaning inside cemeteries to local government units. We are also calling on the public to keep cemeteries clean and tidy,” said MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. during a press briefing on Tuesday.
He said once “Oplan Undas 2018” is activated on Oct. 27, more than 2,000 traffic personnel will be deployed on critical areas from morning until evening to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on major thoroughfares and identified traffic-prone areas in the metropolis.
“MMDA chairman Danilo Lim declared a No Dayoff, No Absent policy for MMDA traffic personnel from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3,” said Garcia.
The number coding scheme is also suspended on Nov. 1 and 2, declared special non-working holidays.
Garcia advised the public to acquaint themselves of the traffic re-routing schemes that local government units will implement in their respective localities.
Major cemeteries under the MMDA’s watch are Manila North in Manila City, Manila South in Makati City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, and Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
The Road Emergency Group will set up tents for Public Assistance Centers at four cemeteries and dispatch ambulances to provide emergency medical services to cemetery goers.
Also, the MMDA Metrobase Command Center has been tasked to help authorities to monitor not only the traffic condition in major roads but also for emergency operations.