The city Government of Davao on Thursday released an advisory for visitors and vendors during the observance of All Souls Day on November 2.
All Souls Day is part of the long-standing culture in the Philippines wherein Filipinos pay respect to the departed by visiting cemeteries.
When visiting cemeteries, Dabawenyos are not allowed to bring pointed objects, do karaoke or play loud music, wear jackets, bring bags, gamble, or bring alcoholic beverages. Firearms and drones are also forbidden.
While it is not permitted to spend the night public cemeteries, private cemeteries may permit it at the management’s discretion.
Vagrants, loiterers, and scavengers will also be denied entry.
Cemetery gates will be opened at 6 a.m. and will be closed at 8 p.m. from October 30 to November 3. Private cemetery managers, however, may set their own hours of operation.
Vehicles are recommended to abide by the “one entrance, one exit policy,” while pedestrians are advised to obey the same rule.
The public is urged to abide by all security directives, policies, and procedures enforced by the Safety and Security Cluster of Davao City, as well as traffic rules, routes, designated parking areas, and vehicle prohibitions based on the Traffic Management Plan and published by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office.
The elderly, individuals with co-morbidities, immune-compromised, pregnant, unvaccinated, and symptomatic are urged to wear face masks.
All cemeteries will have medical tents available at the entrance to handle any medical emergency.
Additionally, public cemeteries managed by the City Economic Enterprises (CEE) will not be scheduling burials, internments, or cremations between October 30 and November 3 this year, with the exception of emergency burials.
Meanwhile, vendors will only be permitted to sell items if they have Special Permits issued by the Business Bureau. These permits can be used to sell goods inside or close to any cemetery from October 30 to November 3.
Before selling, each vendor and retailer must obtain a sanitary permit and their individual health certificates/cards from the City Health Office (CHO).
It is also prohibited to sell alcohol and other intoxicating drinks, food that has been skewered or barbecued, sharp items like knives, cutters, scissor, blades, and used clothing (Ukay-Ukay).
It is forbidden to cook food or have customers eat on the sidewalk to avoid creating obstacles that could endanger pedestrians.
Customers may only be provided with non-plastic spoons, forks, straws, stirrers, cups, and plates by food providers.
Vendors must segregate trash and provide their own trash bag/bin for Biodegradable, Non-Biodegradable, and Recyclable.
An area will be designated for disposal of empty plastic bottles.
Visitors and vendors are also encouraged to clean their area before leaving, and adhere to the proper waste disposal and garbage collection points. CIO
