Rain began pouring at the Manila South Cemetery on Thursday afternoon. Fortunately, visitors were able to go to the grave of their loved ones with the help of civilian volunteers.
The cemetery has 15 e-trikes, driven by volunteers, available for people visiting their loved ones’ graves. For free.
According to the drivers, they can take six to 10 people in their e-trikes at a time.
‘This is for all, especially senior citizens and PWD (people with disabilities),’ one of the volunteers said in Filipino.
The volunteers have been at the cemetery since October 29, ahead of Undas, and will continue to drive visitors around until November 1.
There are 45 driver volunteers dedicated to three four-hour shifts.
Additionally, other civilian volunteers braved the rain as they helped push wheelchairs for the elderly and PWDs.
Other volunteers at the cemetery are guiding visitors who get lost in the 25-hectare cemetery.
Alongside the volunteers are uniformed officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection for safety and security.
There are also volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, as well as members from the Manila Health Department on standby for emergency aid and assistance.
Despite the fickle weather, as of today, 2 p.m., the PNP has recorded approximately 3,800 visitors.
The Manila South Cemetery is open until 6 p.m. on Thursday, but from Friday until November 2, it is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.