Philippine cities are currently in the thick of preparations for the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.

Several urban centers have already released safety and security guidelines for the upcoming long weekend, citing measures to maintain peace, cleanliness, and order in all public and private cemeteries from October 30 to November 2.

At present, seaports, airports, and land transport terminals are beefing up security measures in anticipation of the annual holiday exodus as Filipinos flock home to their native provinces to pay homage to deceased relatives.

In Manila, acting transportation secretary Giovanni Z Lopez has been conducting daily inspections of bus terminals servicing provincial routes and has already shuttered several illegal terminals in the capital that sought to take advantage of the holiday rush.

Likewise, local government units are conducting dry runs at public cemeteries to ensure the safe flow of crowds, especially for women, children, and the elderly.

Preparations in Baguio In Baguio, families can clean and repaint tombs only until October 29, as cleaning materials will be banned in cemeteries starting October 30. Gaudencio Gonzales, supervising administrative officer at the City Administrator’s Office, stated that this scheduled clean-up helps minimize congestion and allows time for waste disposal before the visitation period.

To maintain public safety, deadly weapons, loudspeakers, alcoholic drinks, gambling items, and smoking inside cemetery premises have been prohibited. Additionally, sales within or around cemeteries are not allowed, with parking restricted to a “drop-and-go” scheme for visitors bringing vehicles. For vendors, only Perfecto Street has been designated as a retail area for flowers and candles during the holidays.