Metro Manila mayors agreed to restrict visits to cemeteries from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 as Filipinos prepare to mark Undas from their homes for the second year due to the pandemic, the MMDA said Tuesday.
The Metro Manila Council, composed of mayors of the capital region, has passed a resolution urging local government units to enact policies restricting access to cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria for five days or from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.
The rule aims to avoid mass gatherings as Filipinos traditionally flock to cemeteries during Undas to pay respects to their dear departed ones.
"It is encouraged that individuals visit the public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria on dates earlier than 29 October 2021 or later than 02 November 2021," the resolution read.
Manila City earlier said that cemeteries in the capital would be closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3. Failure to comply with the order will lead to revocation of business permits, the city government said.
Last year, authorities also prohibited cemetery visits during Undas due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malacañang earlier declared Nov. 1 or All Saints' Day as a special non-working day while Nov. 2 or All Souls' Day was declared as a special working day.
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