The Iloilo City government has raised its alert status to blue alert and issued a series of safety reminders ahead of the Undás 2025 observance, as thousands of residents prepare to visit cemeteries from October 31 to November 2.
In a memorandum signed by Mayor Raisa Treñas, the city ordered the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ICDRRMC), barangay officials, and emergency response clusters to heighten vigilance and coordinate efforts throughout the long weekend. A Blue Alert status means that all emergency personnel, monitoring teams, and responders must be on standby 24 hours a day to respond to possible incidents or weather-related emergencies within city limits.
The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center was instructed to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of all local incidents and weather disturbances, in coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other surveillance agencies.
The city also mandated the wide dissemination of preparedness information, especially among barangay leaders, church groups, and volunteers assisting with crowd control and religious observances.
Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) were tasked to reinforce public education on disaster prevention and safety, including information campaigns about electrical hazards, unattended candles, and home security. They were also advised to monitor barangay-level gatherings related to Tigkaralag and the upcoming midterm elections.
Authorities remain on alert following the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Ramil earlier this month, which caused flash floods and damage to several areas in Capiz and Iloilo. The typhoon, which dumped over 305 millimeters of rain in Roxas City, left three people dead and affected more than 150,000 residents across Western Visayas. With the region still recovering, local disaster councils were reminded to be ready for potential thunderstorms or flooding during the Undás period.
The city government also issued practical reminders for households and cemetery-goers. Residents leaving home are urged to unplug electrical appliances, secure doors and valuables, avoid leaving candles unattended, and ensure mobile phones are fully charged for emergency communication.
Meanwhile, the city’s ‘Undás Reminders’ advisory reiterates that bringing alcoholic beverages, sharp weapons, or loudspeakers inside cemeteries is strictly prohibited. Gambling is also banned. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, trash bags, and first-aid kits, as well as fans or umbrellas to protect themselves from the heat or rain.