The Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) will deploy teams to assist motorists and other travelers during the forthcoming long weekend for the nationwide observance of All Saints’ Day.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department’s public assistance program dubbed “Lakbay Alalay” has been reactivated and will be operational along strategic locations nationwide starting on Friday (Oct. 28) until Wednesday (Nov, 2).
The Lakbay Alalay teams are composed of uniformed field and crew personnel with maintenance equipment on standby at navy blue-colored tents along strategic stations.
“Our teams will be working on a round-the-clock shift to provide emergency assistance to travelers and ensure major thoroughfares are well-maintained, and free from obstruction and potholes,” Bonoan said.
The secretary also ordered implementing offices with ongoing projects to ensure that proper safety signage and traffic advisories are posted by contractors, in order to prevent traffic slowdown along major roads and routes leading to cemeteries.
The DPWH also keeps close coordination with other government entities such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government units (LGUs) for possible assistance.
Meanwhile, people started to visit the Manila South Cemetery a few days before the so-called long weekend holiday which begins October 29 until November 2.
Some of the early birds said they wanted to avoid the crowd on All Saints’ Day.
Irene Petalio, accompanied by her husband and child, visited the tomb of her mother. She lighted candles and offered a prayer.
“Umiiwas po talaga lalo may pandemya pa. Hindi pa natin alam ang panahon kung ligtas na ba talaga tayo.”
Julianne Argota did her own cleaning of the grave of her father, saying she had no money to hire a worker.
The Manila South Cemetery officials said they expect huge crowds starting Saturday.
The public has been warned against bringing alcoholic drinks, sharp objects like knives, flammable materials, videoke machines, playing cards, and other gambling materials to the cemeteries.
This is the first time since 2020 that visitors will be allowed inside the cemetery on November 1 and 2.
But officials said the cemetery won’t be open 24 hours.
“Main gate ay magbubukas 5 a.m. hanggang 5 p.m. Hindi po namin ina-allow ang overnight,” said admin staff Vangie Kalingking.
She added that police officers will be assigned inside the cemetery.
She also reminded visitors that face masks must be worn inside the cemetery even if it is an open area.
Vendors are not allowed inside the cemetery starting this Saturday.
Some roads leading to the cemetery will be closed on November 1.