Undas 2026: Flooding hits Iloilo cemetery; flower prices surge in Cotabato

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A day before All Saints’ Day, Filipinos have begun visiting cemeteries across the country to pay their respects to departed loved ones, with some areas reporting flooding and higher flower prices ahead of the Undas observance.

According to a social media report by Zen Quilantang-Sasa of GMA Regional TV Ratsada Balita, the Tanza Public Cemetery in Iloilo City was partially flooded on Saturday following heavy morning rainfall.

To help visitors navigate the flooded pathways, several men were seen placing concrete debris and rocks to create makeshift elevated walkways.

Some visitors appealed to the Iloilo City local government for an immediate solution, saying the flooding has been a recurring problem during Undas whenever it rains.

Flower prices rise in Cotabato City

In Cotabato City, prices of flowers sold at PC Hill in Cotabato City had doubled, Efren Mamac of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao reported.

Florists attributed the increase to high demand and limited supply.

“Medyo tumaas at dumoble ang presyo ng mga bulaklak natin ngayon, Sir,” said florist Jay Agan.

(Prices of our flowers have increased, nearly doubling today, Sir.)

Agan added that their flower stocks had already sold out on Friday, October 30.

According to Mamac's report, a pot of chrysanthemums that normally sells for around P150 now costs about P300.

Prices are expected to triple on All Saints’ Day, November 1.

Cemeteries in other provinces

Visitors also flocked to the Baguio City Public Cemetery, where the police recorded more than 700 arrivals as of 10 a.m. on Saturday.

In a report by Jasmin Gabriel-Galban of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, the number of visitors was expected to exceed 5,000 by the end of October 31.

Police officers were stationed at the cemetery entrance to inspect visitors’ bags. Among the items confiscated were cleaning materials, including hard brooms, as the period for cleaning gravesites had already ended.

As of 10 a.m., no traffic buildup was reported on nearby roads, while the situation inside and outside the cemetery remained orderly.

Taxi and jeepney stands were also set up outside the cemetery to accommodate commuters heading home after visiting their departed loved ones.

Residents of El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, have begun visiting the graves of their departed loved ones at the Our Lady of the Snow Cemetery ahead of All Saints’ Day, according to GMA Regional TV One Mindanao's Cyril Chaves.

However, several graves remain uncleaned, while some tombs are still damaged, as relatively few visitors have arrived to prepare the gravesites. —VBL, GMA News