Tourists flock to Baguio City for Undas long weekend

Families from Metro Manila and nearby provinces flocked to Baguio City to enjoy the Undas break.

According to Jasmin Gabriel-Galban’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, over 400 police officers have been deployed across cemeteries and tourist destinations in the City of Pines, as well as barangay officials.

Among those who traveled to Baguio was the Ramirez family, who headed straight to Burnham Park to begin their vacation.

“Makapag-relax,” Aileen Ramirez said.

Others were also drawn by the cooler 17 to 18-degree Celsius weather.

“Kasi po ‘yung sa weather po. Napakapresko kahit maglakad, ‘yung hindi ka pagpapawisan agad. Parang relax na relax kahit na walang gawin,” Rosanna Santiago said.

Hundreds of police personnel were stationed in popular tourist areas, while others patrolled around to monitor the influx of visitors.

The Department of Transportation also kept watch over taxi drivers reportedly choosing passengers amid heavy traffic.

“Ang dami nga talagang namimili na sila dahil traffic, dahil nga ayaw nila doon sa ruta na ‘yon. Ang daming ganyan,” DOTC-CAR DIR. Glenn Dumlao said.

Visitors have also started arriving early at the Baguio Public Cemetery.

Authorities confiscated nearly 100 prohibited items such as bladed weapons, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes from visitors. 

“Naka-ready tayo. Mayroon tayong mga pang-tag, at tsaka mga deposit box para doon sa mga na-confiscate po natin na items,” BCPO-Station 1 Commander PMAJ. Harriet Bulcio said.

More than 30,000 people are expected to visit the cemetery over the weekend, with additional security from barangay officials and the private sector.

Meanwhile, flower prices in the city have surged, with some stalls already running out of supply ahead of Undas.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News