Given the travel rush of many members of the public for the long weekend dedicated to the solemn occasion.
In a video message, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said that he has made directives to different agencies, as well as some having already taken the initiative, in line with the Undas break.
SPECIAL BUS PERMITS
According to the Chief Executive, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued more than 1,000 special permits for additional buses.
The move aims to ensure sufficient public transportation for commuters traveling to their provinces and visiting cemeteries during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“Tinitiyak natin na may sapat na masasakyan ang ating mga kababayan. Nagbigay na ang LTFRB ng mahigit isang libong special permits para sa mga dagdag na bus,” he said.
In relation to that, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies are conducting extensive inspections of airports, seaports, and bus terminals to ensure passenger safety.
MMDA PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENT
Meanwhile, more than 2,000 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel will be deployed across Metro Manila to help manage traffic and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
The President said that this deployment aims to ease traffic congestion, particularly along roads leading to cemeteries, memorial parks, churches, and other areas expected to experience increased public activity during the holiday.
“Tiniyak natin na bawat sementeryo at kolumbaryo ay may pulis upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan at kaayusan. Ang Bureau of Fire Protection ay nakahandang rumesponde kung sakaling magkaroon ng insidente,” he added.
Among the major cemeteries covered by the deployment are the Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, and San Juan Public Cemetery, where officers will help manage traffic flows.
The MMDA Traffic Discipline Office will also implement traffic rerouting schemes and provide medical assistance and emergency response services to ensure public safety.
The agency will likewise coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct surprise drug testing among bus drivers and conductors at selected transport terminals.
COMPLETION OF ROAD REPAIRS
President Marcos also said that urgent road repairs along major roads must be completed before the holidays to help prevent traffic delays during the expected increase in travel for Undas.
Currently, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is undertaking inspections and repairs to ensure that major roads are ready for the expected increase in vehicles.
“Patuloy ang inspeksyon at pag-aayos ng mga pangunahing kalsada upang maiwasan ang abala sa biyahe. Ang mga agarang repair ay tatapusin… upang mabawasan ang abala sa trapiko sa pagdagsa ng biyahe,” he said.
The President also said that the government is also preparing other measures to make travel easier during the holiday, including providing additional public transport.
DPWH Secretary Giovanni Lopez commented and said, “The DPWH complied with the directive of the President. The directive shows that the President is always on top of the situation and is serious about government services that should be done with urgency for the benefit of the public.”
PASSENGER ASSISTANCE
There will also be round-the-clock passenger assistance at major transport terminals from October 29 to November 3, Marcos announced.
“Kasabay ng pagdagsa ng mga pasahero, magkakaroon ng round-the-clock help desks sa mga pangunahing terminal mula October 29 hanggang November 3 upang umalalay sa mga biyahero,” the President said.
Marcos has also directed the Philippine National police to deploy personnel to cemeteries and columbaria to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order during the Undas observance.
“Tiniyak natin na bawat sementeryo at kolumbaryo ay may pulis upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan at kaayusan,” the President said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is also on standby to respond to fire-related incidents, as the government steps up preparations to protect families visiting their departed loved ones.
Hospitals and health emergency teams are likewise on alert, with national government agencies and local government units coordinating to ensure a prompt response to emergencies.
NO VACANT IMMIGRATION COUNTERS
All airport immigration counters will have enough personnel on duty from October 30 to November 3 to avoid long lines during the Undas holiday, he assured.
“Para sa mga kababayan nating lilipad papasok o palabas ng bansa, sinisigurado nating sapat ang tao at walang bakanteng immigration counters mula October 30 hanggang November 3,” the President saidx adding that the government will increase the use of digital systems, including electronic gates or eGates, to speed up passenger processing and reduce waiting time.
“Pa-iigtingin din ang paggamit ng mga digital system, kagaya ng eGates, upang mapabilis ang pagpila,” the Chief Executive said.
