DABAWENYOS are advised to visit their departed loved ones early and not wait for All Saint's Day and All Souls Day.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said this in a radio interview on Friday, September 11, when asked by the media on the City's plan on the observation of the two holidays on November 1 and 2.
However, Duterte-Carpio said she has not yet decided if the City Government will allow Dabawenyos to visit cemeteries during that day, considering that there is still a threat of the Covid-19 virus.
"Because wala man gud ta kahibalo sa atong quarantine status ana by November (because we still do not know our quarantine status by November)," the mayor said in an interview via 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.
"Pero pinakamaayo sa karon palang, mubisita na sila sa ilahang mga loved ones nga naa dinha sa atonang sementeryo (the best thing they can do is to visit their departed loved ones early)," she said.
By visiting the cemeteries early, crowding can be avoided during All Saint's Day and All Souls Day. If crowding happens, it puts people at risk of catching the virus, causing the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
"Just like God, who is everywhere, dili kinahanglan nga November 1 and 2 ta mubisita sa atong mga patay (we can visit our dead loved ones on other sides aside from November 1 and 2)," Duterte-Carpio said.
The mayor is scheduled to discuss with city officials on their plans for November 1 and 2.
Duterte-Carpio was asked about the city's plan for Undas after the Cities of Manila and Cebu issued their respective executive orders temporarily closing all public and private memorial parks, cemeteries and columbaries from October 31 to November 3.