More tombs eyed to close Manila North Cemetery 'shortcut'

The Manila North Cemetery (MNC) is eyeing to construct more tombs at the back portion of the burial ground to close a pathway that visitors use during All Saints’ Day as a shortcut for a fee.

“Ina-assess po ‘yan ng ating city engineer kung kaya pa po ng pundasyon pero worst scenario kung di na kakayanin yan magtatayo na lang kami ng fence,” said MNC Director Roselle Castañeda in Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

(The city engineer is assessing if the foundation can hold more tombs. The worst case scenario is that we’ll build fences.)

Police personnel will be deployed in the area to prevent visitors from using the narrow passageway for entrance and exit.

On normal days, the fee for using the shortcut is P1 but the rates change during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“Mahirap lang po talaga kami. 'Yan lang inaasahan namin, padaan. Kapag nasara na, wala na. Wala na rin po kaming ano. Lalo na ako matanda na rin ako, wala akong aasahan,” Marcelina Evangelista said.

(We’re poor and this is our sole livelihood. If this closes, we don’t have any source of income, especially that I am old.)

People visiting their departed loved ones will be allowed to enter the cemetery from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 30 to November 2, 2023. Gates will close at 7 p.m.

During this period, free rides will be offered inside the MNC. E-trikes situated in the main gates, however, will only ferry senior citizens.

More than 50 portalets will likewise be distributed in the cemetery.

Meanwhile, the pro-environment group Ecowaste Coalition urged the public to observe eco-friendly practices during their visit to cemeteries such as bringing potted plants instead of plastic ones and using reusable products in packing food.

“Pwede naman tayong mag-alala o mag gunita sa environment friendly na pamamaraan,” said Ecowaste Coalition campaigner Ochie Tolentino.

(We can remember our departed while observing environmentally friendly practices.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News