Marikina City’s local government unit is preparing for the influx of people who would be visiting cemeteries this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, as over 600,000 individuals are expected to move towards the city.
The Marikina Public Information Office (PIO) on Thursday announced on its Facebook page that in anticipation of huge crowds for, a one way eastbound traffic scheme will be implemented along A. Bonifacio Avenue and Sumulong Highway (Marikina area), from 6:00 a.m. of October 31 to 12:00 mn of November 3.
This means traffic can only flow on one side the lane from Aurora Boulevard towards the Barangka Flyover. Vehicles moving towards the Marikina City proper and the Marikina City Hall are asked to take the eastbound lanes, with vehicles moving to the Loyola Memorial Park and the Baranga Cemetery will take the westbound lane.
‘Please follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful visit to honor your departed loved ones,’ Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro said in a statement.
Teodoro also assured the public that they have been inspecting, cleaning, and working to ensure public safety in at least six cemeteries in the city.
Marikina is home to large public and private cemeteries, like the Loyola Memorial Park, Barangka Municipal Cemetery, Aglipay Cemetery, Holy Child Cemetery, Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA) Cemetery, and St. Paul of the Cross Parish Columbarium.
‘We are expecting more or less around 600,000 visitors for our dearly departed laid to rest here in Marikina. That’s why we have been inspecting, cleaning, and ensuring the safety of the public,’ Teodoro said in Filipino.
‘I have also directed our PNP (Philippine National Police), BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), and concerned City Hall personnel to focus on Undas 2025,’ she added.
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Earlier, Teodoro and her husband, Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, led the inspection conducted by the said agencies along with Marikina’s City Parks and Development Office earlier.
Aside from these departments, Marikina PIO said that the city government has also mobilized the Health Office, the local police, the Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS), Marikina Rescue 161, the Waste Management Office, and other concerned departments and force multipliers who will be stationed across the city’s cemeteries starting Thursday.
Mayor Teodoro has asked visitors to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the local government to ensure their safety and security, while also helping maintain cleanliness through proper disposal of trash.
‘I also call on the public to follow the rules and regulations laid down by the local government for everyone’s safety and security,’ she said in Filipino. ‘As a reminder, certain items are prohibited inside cemeteries, including firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, and gambling paraphernalia.
‘Also, we ask the public to do their part in keeping our cemeteries clean. Let us be mindful of our surroundings by properly disposing of waste and avoid littering,’ she added.
Several traffic adjustments have been prepared in anticipation of the big crowds for the coming weekend. In Pasig City, Marikina’s neighboring town, the local government unit said they will also implement a temporary one-way traffic scheme in some areas due to Undas 2025.
In an advisory released on Wednesday, the city government said that the northbound stretch of C. Raymundo Avenue, specifically from E. Angeles Street to Mercedes Avenue in Barangay Caniogan, will be temporarily one-way starting 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, until Saturday, November 1.