Dizon orders potholes fixed ahead of Undas

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the immediate repair of key roads leading to cemeteries in Metro Manila and across the country ahead of the Undas observance.

Dizon ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) to fix potholes along major routes leading to the Manila North Cemetery – including Blumentritt Road, Aurora Avenue, Laong Laan and Dimasalang Streets.

The road works are part of the “Lakbay Alalay” program for Undas 2025, carried out in line with President Marcos’ directive to secure smooth traffic flow and public safety during the holiday.

Dizon also instructed all DPWH regional and district engineering offices nationwide to fast-track and complete ongoing repairs, implement “Operation Zero Potholes” and refresh or install lane markings on major corridors leading to provinces and cemeteries.

“Our goal is simple: clear markings, no potholes and safer roads for families traveling to honor their loved ones,” he said, directing field units to finish works ahead of peak travel and coordinate with traffic and local authorities for necessary rerouting.

Rainy Undas

This year’s Undas is expected to be rainy due to the combined effects of a low-pressure area (LPA), the northeast monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.

In its weather outlook for Undas 2025, PAGASA said the LPA and the ITCZ will bring generally cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Visayas, Mindanao, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Central Luzon and parts of Northern Luzon beginning Thursday until Friday.

The northeast monsoon, meanwhile, will bring cloudy skies with rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands, while light rains are expected over Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Norte. The rest of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

By Saturday, Nov. 1, the LPA and ITCZ will continue to affect the Visayas, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the Bicol Region, Aurora and the Zamboanga Peninsula, bringing cloudy skies and scattered rainshowers.

Cagayan Valley will also experience rains, while the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

On Nov. 2, the LPA and ITCZ are expected to persist, causing cloudy conditions with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, the Bicol Region and Western Visayas.

The northeast monsoon will likewise bring rains to Cagayan Valley, CAR and Aurora, while the Ilocos Region will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains.

The agency advised the public, especially those traveling to the provinces or visiting cemeteries, to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions against possible rains and thunderstorms during the long weekend.

Heightened alert

Despite the looming rainy weather, over two million sea passengers are reportedly expected to travel this Undas.

According to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said this year’s passenger volume may exceed last year’s two million travelers as All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days fall on a weekend.

To manage the influx, the PCG will be on heightened alert from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 under the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2025.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered all units to intensify monitoring and assistance at ports, while Malasakit Help Desks will be set up at major terminals to provide travel aid and emergency response.

PCG teams with K9 units will patrol port areas and inspect baggage and vessels, while rescuers will be deployed to beaches and coastal resorts.

Aside from the PCG, the Philippine National Police has also placed all units on heightened alert starting today under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the alert will remain in effect until Nov. 3 to ensure security in cemeteries, transport hubs and public areas.

Over 50,000 police officers and 62,000 support personnel from the Armed Forces, Bureau of Fire Protection, PCG and volunteer groups have been deployed nationwide, backed by 5,015 police assistance desks.

In Metro Manila, 13,431 police officers have been deployed to secure cemeteries, transport hubs and major roads, including the Manila North and South Cemeteries, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, Bagbag Public Cemetery and San Juan Public Cemetery. — Evelyn Macairan, Christine Boton, Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano