Several tombs at the Independent Cemetery in Barangay Poblacion Oeste, Dagupan City remained under repair days before Undas 2025, after a section of the apartment-type burial site collapsed due to continuous rains in August 2025.

According to cemetery caretaker Marieta Jimeniano, around 48 tombs were affected when the structure gave way following days of heavy rainfall.

Workers then demolished the damaged area, including tombs nearby that had also shown signs of deterioration.

“Ang balak namin dito, alisin namin itong mga ibang nagiba dito, pagkatapos ay ayusin na namin. Pero pagkatapos ng Pista ng Patay para maganda tignan,” Jimeniano said.

The restoration work, however, was halted temporarily for Undas to allow families to visit and pay respects.

Barangay Chairperson Macmac Gutierrez said the continuous rains since August 2025 and the high cost of repairs made the restoration difficult.

“Sinasabihan po natin ‘yung sepulturero kasi po kung maaalala niyo po, from August naman po tuloy-tuloy pa rin ‘yung pag-ulan, may mga bagyo pa rin kaya hindi po basta-basta na [mapaayos] kasi malaking gastusin po ‘yun,” he said.

The remains from the collapsed tombs were placed temporarily in sacks and garbage bags and will be transferred to a designated bone deposit later, allowing relatives to light candles and offer prayers.

Jimeniano said all names of the deceased were listed properly to avoid confusion among families.

Gutierrez said they are also monitoring other parts of the cemetery that could pose risks.

“Ang inaano ko doon maluwag, eh. ‘Yung sa gitna, ‘yung nakita po natin. Baka ‘yun ang biglang gumuho. Mas malaking perwisyo po ‘yung mangyayari kaya tingnan natin within next month,” he said.

The barangay aims to complete the rehabilitation after Undas.