Visitors have started flocking to cemeteries days ahead of Undas, undeterred by rain from Super Typhoon #LeonPH.

in Dagupan City, concerns are rising over potential flooding in cemeteries, prompting many to clean and visit family plots earlier than planned.

“Baka umulan hindi na ako makapunta, kaya pinalinis ko na. Dumalaw na ako sa kanila: nanay, tatay, at saka yung lola [ko],” Renita Escosio Meriel, a visitor, said.

Caretakers are working hard to maintain and prepare gravesites, with the back areas now cleared of brush and raised with soil to improve access.

“Dito sa development ng chapel namin, yung iba, talagang obligado, tinatanggal na namin kasi nililipat na namin. Kasi kung mapapansin niyo, ongoing yung pag-clear ng lupa at saka yung pagtitabon,” Anton Pacheco, a cemetery caretaker, said.

In anticipation of increased visitors, the Dagupan City Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) will implement a traffic rerouting scheme starting October 31 until November 1, turning several main roads into one-way routes.

“Alam mo naman pagdating ng November 1, maraming dumadagsa sa sementeryo kaya binabantayan natin para maayos,” Dagupan City POSO Chief Arvin Decano said.

In Mangaldan, local officials are anticipating over 20,000 visitors to five cemeteries by November 1, 2024.

Visitors are expected to start arriving on Thursday, October 31, to avoid the anticipated crowds.

“Kami sa POSO naghahanda talaga kami sa inaasahang dagsa ng mga tao, para maayos ang lagay mula sa papasok at palabas,” Gerry Ydia, Chief of the Mangaldan Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), said.

Starting October 31, a one-way policy will be enforced on key roads, with some streets closed to allow safe cemetery access.

POSO is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for added security and traffic management.

Motorists have expressed understanding of the changes.

“Okay lang po na sarado ang kalsada kasi sa dami ng tao,” Bonifacio Madriaga, a driver, said.

Ydia noted that the POSO and local PNP are committed to ensuring a safe and orderly Undas.

“Katuwang namin ang local PNP sa implementation ngayong Undas,” he added.

(with reports from Claire Lacanilao and Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon)