Despite DILG closure order, Rama says Cebu City cemeteries to open

CEBU, Philippines —  Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is bent on pushing through with the city’s plan to open cemeteries on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day even with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announcing that all cemeteries in the country must be closed from October 29 to November 2.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said all cemeteries must be closed on these dates to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission as it is on these days that people traditionally troop and stay for long periods of time at cemeteries to be with departed loved ones.

Año, referring to IATF Resolution No. 72, said the public may visit cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria before October 29 or after November 2 but visitors must be limited to 10 persons per group.

Cemeteries can accommodate up to 30 percent of their capacity, although the local government, based on assessment, can increase capacity to 50 percent.

Visitors are also reminded to observe minimum public health standards to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

The Philippine National Police and barangay officers are tasked to ensure peace and order on these days.

At City Hall on Wednesday, Rama said the city will not appeal the DILG’s decision but will present its plan for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and to Sec. Carlito Galvez.

“As we welcome the tact of our national government to place our city and the rest of Cebu under Alert Level 2 that we appreciate as it fits well the prevailing circumstances, we will still adopt what fits better in our Kalag-kalag Directive,” Rama said.

He reiterated that the city will allow cemeteries to open on November 1 and 2 only to residents who are fully vaccinated.

“For instance, the cemeteries, subject to the prerogative of their management, may be open on Nov. 1 and 2, but only to vaccinated persons aged 18 to 65; and they can visit their dearly departed ones for no more than one hour,” Rama said.

Residents who are unvaccinated may visit cemeteries until the end of October and/or from November 3 to 5.

Rama took the opportunity to encourage those who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to get the jab as soon as possible.

“They may also take the opportunity to have themselves vaccinated. Sites will be opened nearby. Just register ahead with PaBakunaTa.com,” Rama said.

He said the city will push through with its plan to bring COVID-19 vaccines closer to people like in the barangays, churches, and even at cemeteries. — JMO (FREEMAN)