Metro Manila, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy over 1,200 personnel for the “Undas” week beginning Oct. 27.
The number would be lower than last year’s of around 1,400, and MMDA Chairperson Don Artes said enforcers from local government units will fill in the need.
The agency’s Oplan Undas 2024 will run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4 to mark the traditional visit to cemeteries leading up to All Saints and Souls days on Nov. 1-2.
In a news conference on Friday, Oct. 18, Artes said more personnel will be posted in bus terminals and major roads, especially those leading outside the metropolis.
Artes said the number coding scheme for motorists will be suspended on Nov. 1, Friday.
The MMDA will also position workers and 30 camera units to monitor traffic in the five major cemeteries, namely, Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, and Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, and San Juan Public Cemetery.
A “No Day Off, No Absent Policy” will also be implemented for MMDA traffic personnel.
“Regular pa rin hanggang 10 p.m. pero siguro a day before ng Undas hanggang a day after ng Undas ie-extend natin sila hanggang midnight,” Artes also said of the workers’ shift.
[Translation: Personnel will still have a regular shift until 10 p.m., but a day before Undas until after a day of Undas, their shift might be extended until midnight.]
The MMDA said it will deploy 12 tow trucks and six ambulances, as well as set up help desks and command posts in bus terminals.
It said the Metro Parkways Clearing Group will conduct cleanup operations, especially around cemeteries, on Oct. 26 until Nov. 4.
