Marcos assures gov't readiness for 'safe, orderly' Undas 2026 exodus

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is making the necessary preparations to ensure the safe and orderly trip for Filipinos who will head to their respective provinces or travel elsewhere for this year’s Undas.

In a video message, the President said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies are now conducting extensive and thorough inspections at airports, seaports, and bus terminals to guarantee the safety of passengers.

He said urgent repairs on roads would also be completed by October 29 to minimize traffic woes during the surge in travel.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), meanwhile, issued over a thousand special permits for additional buses to ensure sufficient public transport for passengers.

Marcos said the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) would also issue a relaxation order and special permits from October 29 to November 3, to allow a more flexible travel schedule for passenger vessels. Additional trips will also be provided on certain routes if necessary.

For those traveling in or out of the country, the President also assured the public that all immigration counters would remain fully staffed from October 30 to November 3.

“Nais nating tiyakin na magiging ligtas, maayos, at maginhawa ang kanilang pagbiyahe at pagdalaw. Pinaghahandaan na ng pamahalaan ang iba't ibang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan para sa Undas,” Marcos said.

(We want to ensure that their travel and visit will be safe, orderly, and comfortable. The government is already preparing for the various needs of our countrymen for Undas.)

“Kasabay ng pagdagsa ng mga pasahero, magkakaroon ng round-the-clock help desk ang mga pangunahing terminal mula 29 Oktober hanggang 3 November upang umalalay sa mga biyahero,” he added.

(As passengers flock to terminals, major transport hubs will have round-the-clock help desks from October 29 to November 3 to assist travelers.)

In Metro Manila, the President said that over 2,000 personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would be deployed to help manage traffic, particularly in areas near cemeteries.

Marcos said various agencies are also conducting inspections to ensure safety in cemeteries, churches, and other crowded areas. Police officers would also be deployed in these areas to maintain order.

Hospitals and health emergency teams are on standby in case of emergencies, according to the President.

He also advised people who will be traveling to plan their trips well, and stay informed for traffic advisories and possible route changes.

“Kung gagamit ng pampublikong transportasyon, agahan ang pagpunta sa terminal. Kung maaari, bumili na ng tiket nang maaga. Para sa mga biyaheng may online ticketing, hinihikayat natin kayong gamitin ito upang makaiwas sa mahahabang pila sa mga terminal,” Marcos said.

(If you are taking public transportation, arrive at the terminal early. If possible, purchase your tickets in advance. For trips that offer online ticketing, we encourage you to use this option to avoid long queues at the terminals.)

“Mag-ingat din sa pagdadala at pagsisindi ng kandila. Sundin ang mga patakaran sa sementeryo at makipagtulungan sa ating mga awtoridad. At higit sa lahat, mag-ingat sa inyong paglalakbay,” he added.

(Exercise caution when bringing or lighting candles. Follow the rules at the cemetery and cooperate with our authorities. And above all, stay safe during your travels.)

The President also emphasized that the 911 hotline is available for times of emergencies, and the official social media pages of concerned agencies are ready to disseminate timely information.

“Ang Undas ay panahon ng paggunita at pag-alala sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Nawa’y maging payapa at makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Marcos said.

(Undas is a time for commemoration and remembering our departed loved ones. May the visit of every Filipino family be peaceful and meaningful.) —AOL, GMA News