The province of Cavite announced its residents are allowed to visit cemeteries from October 1 to 27, provided that they would follow the rules set by the provincial government.
Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said cemeteries in the province would be open from 9 am to 7 pm from October 1 to 27. He added cemeteries would be closed from October 28 to November 2.
In a Facebook post, Remulla posted the rules in Cavite that everyone should follow:
1. You can visit ‘panchong’ 9 am-7 pm from October 1 to 27 only.
2. Eating is forbidden even in private cemeteries.
3. If eating is prohibited, drinking and drunkenness are even more forbidden.
4. It is prohibited to sell food and drink in the cemetery.
5. Municipal and city governments will regulate the allowed number of people inside the cemetery.
6. Face mask and face shield must be worn. Just be careful with accidents, especially when lighting a candle because the face shield is made of plastic.
7. Karaoke and loud singing are forbidden.
8. Children under 18 years old are not allowed to go to the cemetery.
Cavite residents can visit cemeteries from October 1 to 27
The governor said he understood the new normal in cemeteries would be challenging. He encouraged his constituents that they need to survive the crisis brought by the pandemic.
“Alam ko po na hindi maka-Pilipino ang mga patakaran na ganito. Pero wala tayo magagawa. Kailangan malagpasan natin ang krisis na dulot ng COVID-19,” Remulla said.
“Dahil sa pandemya ay kailangan pa rin nating paulit-ulit na ipaalala ang social distancing rules. Lagpas 10,000 na ang positibo sa COVID dito sa Cavite at malakas ang kutob ko na baka lalong kumalat ang sakit na ito ngayong papalapit na Undas,” he said.
He also posted reminders for the holiday season. “According to experts, most heart attacks and strokes occur during the holiday season,” the governor said in Filipino.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier announced that all cemeteries and columbariums in the Philippines would be closed for Undas, from October 29 to November 4, 2020.
Undas in the Philippines is the celebration of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is part of the Philippine tradition where Filipinos visit their deceased loved ones in cemeteries and pray for their souls.