Preparations are all set in Iloilo City for the observance of All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day, otherwise known as “Undas,” on November 1 and 2, respectively.
Concerned City Hall offices are ready to carry out their respective tasks to ensure safety, orderliness and cleanliness during the traditional celebration.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said coordination have been made among the frontline offices such as the Iloilo City Police Office, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) to ensure everything is in place.
On their part, CENRO head Engr. Neil Ravena said together with the General Services Office, they will be assigning personnel to monitor city cemeteries especially the city-owned and big cemeteries.
There are three city-run public cemeteries, namely Quintin Salas, Jereos and Tanza.
The big ones include Forest Lake in Mandurriao and the Catholic Cemetery in Jaro.
All the 320 street sweepers of the city will be deployed in different roads leading to the cemetery to ensure the areas are clean and safe.
Moreover, Ravena said the city has likewise stationed several portalets for easy access of people visiting their departed loved ones.
Waste bins and black garbage bags are put in place in cemeteries while six dump trucks will be mobilized to collect them.
Ravena said they expect 15 to 20 percent increase or around 40 tons more of the total 400 tons of waste collected daily.
Meanwhile, designated places for flower vending have been identified through an Executive Order issued by tbe City Mayor.
PSTMO head Jeck Conlu said these are the half lane of Iznart Extension (from Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch) in City Proper; side walk/portion of the road around Jaro Plaza except the side of Rizal Street; and portion near the plazas of Arevalo, Molo, Mandurriao and La Paz.
As of Oct. 26, a total of 192 flower vendors in the city have secured permits to sell flowers and candles – 98 from City Proper; 53 from Jaro; 10 from Molo; 25 from Arevalo; and six from Manduuriao.
Conlu said flower vendors can start setting up their kiosk on the evening of Oct. 28. Selling starts on Oct. 29 until midnight of Nov. 1.
Conlu emphasized that vendors have already been oriented that their areas must be free from smoking, liquor, waste, and bladed weapons.
Unlike last year, there are no more requirements like presentation of COVID-19 vaccination card.
Traffic aides will also be deployed to ensure smooth flow of traffic on roads leading to various city cemeteries.
Conlu reminded the public to avoid bringing bladed and deadly weapons.
Stiffer penalty awaits violators especially that the whole country is still under election gun ban.Iloilo City PIO
