Inter-agency logistical arrangements across major land, sea, and air transit networks have been mobilized to handle the heavy outflow of travelers heading to the provinces and local cemeteries for the annual observance of Undas.
In a video statement released Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that government machinery has completed inspections and contingency measures to facilitate smooth passage and public safety throughout the holiday period.
“Ngayong darating na Undas, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya o dadalaw sa mga sementeryo upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Marcos said.
“Kaya nais nating tiyakin na magiging ligtas, maayos at maginhawa ang kanilang pagbiyahe at pagdalaw,” he also said.
To address transport capacity demands, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued over 1,000 special permits for supplementary buses, while the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) enacted relaxation orders and route permits through November 3 to expand maritime vessel availability.
Airports have fully activated all immigration and terminal counters to process international and domestic passenger traffic, supported by digital processing systems.
“Paiigtingin din ang paggamit ng mga digital system kagaya ng eGates upang mas mapabilis ang pagpila,” Marcos said.
“Kasabay ng pagdagsa ng mga pasahero, magkakaroon ng round-the-clock help desk ang mga pangunahing terminal mula October 29 hanggang November 3 upang umalalay sa mga biyahero,” he also said.
Road infrastructure work and thoroughfare repairs were concluded on October 29 to mitigate bottlenecks, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed more than 2,000 personnel to direct traffic near cemeteries, columbaria, churches, and shopping hubs in the capital region.
Security and emergency response protocols involve police foot patrols from the Philippine National Police (PNP), standby units from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and heightened alert statuses across hospitals and medical teams nationwide.
“Patuloy rin ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at lokal na pamahalaan upang mabilis na makatugon sa anumang insidente,” Marcos noted.
Travelers were advised to plan trips ahead, utilize online ticketing where available, adhere to cemetery rules, and maintain caution when lighting candles.
“Mag-ingat din sa pagdadala at pagsisindi ng kandila. Sundin ang mga patakaran sa sementeryo at makipagtulungan sa ating mga awtoridad,” Marcos said.
“At higit sa lahat, mag-ingat sa inyong paglalakbay. Bukas ang linya ng inyong mga lingkod sa pamahalaan upang alalayan kayo,” he also said.
The President highlighted emergency hotlines including 911 alongside official information channels of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), MMDA, PNP, and BFP.
“Ang Undas ay panahon ng paggunita at pag-alala sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Nawa’y maging payapa at makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Marcos added.
All Saints’ Day on November 1 falls on a Sunday as a regular holiday, followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, a Monday special non-working day.