Iligan mayor asks cemetery visitors to observe proper waste disposal

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — To help maintain cleanliness in cemeteries during this year’s observance of “Undas,” Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao had asked cemetery visitors to bring their own trash bags so they can properly dispose of their waste.

“It would be better if the public brought their own trash bags when visiting cemeteries so they could properly dispose of their waste,” Siao said.

Thousands are expected to troop to cemeteries on Sunday and Monday to visit the grave sites of departed loved ones as Christendom observes All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

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Siao said the throng of people naturally brings with it the related concern of waste generation and disposal.

To maintain cleanliness, Siao directed cemetery administrators to provide garbage bins even as he urged visitors to bring their own trash bags and observe the “Clean As You Go” policy.

READ: Undas 2026: Passengers flock to terminals; cemeteries begin to draw crowds

The local government has imposed restrictions on items and activities inside cemeteries as part of measures to ensure public safety and orderly observance of Undas.

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Apart from proper waste disposal, Siao prescribed guidelines for security inspections and crowd management.

The order prohibits visitors from bringing backpacks, alcoholic beverages, weapons and sharp objects into public cemeteries.

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Public cemeteries will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while operating hours of private cemeteries will be determined by their respective management.

All visitors will undergo security inspections and are encouraged to cooperate with security personnel. The city government also advised the public to use transparent bags to facilitate inspections and prevent delays.

The order also prohibits gambling, drinking alcoholic beverages, holding parties and playing loud music inside public cemeteries. Rules governing music and gatherings in private cemeteries will be determined by their respective management.

Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by adults, while ambulant vendors will not be allowed inside cemetery premises from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

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Siao also directed the establishment of police and medical assistance desks in every cemetery to address security and health concerns. Barangays hosting cemeteries were instructed to assist city monitoring teams in preventing untoward incidents. /cb