Some Metro Manila cities to close cemeteries for Undas 2021

Some local government units in Metro Manila have ordered the temporary closure of public and private cemeteries during Undas this year to lessen the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

In Taguig, the local government said the closure will be from October 29 to November 2, 2021 to ensure health and safety of visitors.

In Malabon, the city government said cemeteries will be closed from October 29 to November 3.

It also reminded residents that cemeteries will be open from October 15 to October 28 and will implement a schedule of 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Residents may also participate in online masses or light candles for their departed loved ones if they can't personally go to cemeteries, the Malabon government also said.

 Valenzuela reminded its constituents that all public, private cemeteries, columbarium and memorial parks will not be open for visitation from October 29 to November 2.

Likewise, these LGUs in the metropolis asked their constituents to visit their departed loved ones before or after the scheduled closure of cemeteries.

Manila had previously announced the temporary closure of its public and private cemeteries for the duration of Undas. 

The Metro Manila Council has approved a resolution to enjoin local government units to restrict access to public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria during Undas.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, meanwhile, is again opening its "Undas Online" for those who can't personally visit the resting places of their dearly departed loved ones amid the pandemic. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News