Marcos: Time to reflect on values of faith, hope and resilience

Millions of Filipinos are set to visit cemeteries across the country for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – two religious feasts that honor the lives of saints and the souls of the departed.

Undas, which is from the Spanish word honras or to honor, is usually solemn and marked by quiet prayers, but sometimes could turn festive as families use the opportunity to get together and celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones.

For President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr., Undas is a reminder to Filipinos of the values of faith, resilience, and hope.

‘’Today, we remember those who paved the way for our present prosperity through their example of faith and love for others. It is a time for reflection by which we recall the deceased faithful who led lives of honor, sacrifice, and service,’’ Mr. Marcos said.

‘’May this remind us of the values that shall endure through us as a nation: faith, resilience, and hope. Reflecting on our journey in this world, let us strive to live with love and compassion for others, ever seeking the common good, just as the saints and our loved ones did in their time,” the President added.

At the Manila South Cemetery, officer-in-charge Henry Dy said he expects some half a million visitors to troop to Manila’s biggest cemetery on All Saints’ Day alone.

The cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. up until November 3.

Manila North Cemetery, on the other hand, said it expects to receive some 1.5 million visitors from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

The cemetery adopted a no-vendor policy and is offering free rides from the entrance to any point in the graveyard.

At the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City alone, assistant park manager Rizzalyn Acosta expcts at least one million people to visit – higher than last year’s recorded number of visitors.

Acosta said the park will remain open 24 hours daily until November 2, while it will operate from 12 midnight to 6 p.m. on November 3.

The Philippine National Police increased the number of cops deployed nationwide to secure Undas to nearly 32,000.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the number includes police working in cemeteries, those manning police assistance desks at transport terminals, and those deployed at major thoroughfares to assist travelers.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III added: “Our teams will be on the ground throughout the holiday period to ensure smooth and efficient transportation services, and we encourage the public to also remain vigilant and report any irregularities to us or other authorities present.”

The Bureau of Immigration, on the other hand, said it expects some 43,000 to 48,000 passengers departing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the weekend holiday.

Last year, the bureau recorded an average of around 37,000 for departures and 36,000 for arrivals during the Undas period.

“We have ramped up our operations at NAIA with additional personnel to maintain a smooth flow of passengers. We are also activating our rapid response units to address any sudden increases in passenger traffic, particularly during peak hours,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.