Sunday, September 13, 2020

Metro cemeteries closed during 'Undas'. Inquirer Newsletter. September 13, 2020

OUT OF PH Agents of the Bureau of Immigration on Sunday escort US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton as he is about to board a US military plane that will bring him home, after almost five years of imprisonment here following his 2015 conviction for homicide in connection with the Oct. 11, 2014, killing of transgender woman Jennifer Laude. PHOTO: BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION VIA AP

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Gov’t reduces physical distancing on PUVs

The government reduces physical distancing on public vehicles on Monday as commuter safety advocates and the Vice President question the basis for the decision, which they say could lead to a worse surge in coronavirus infections. —STORY BY Meg Adonis

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Release Bayanihan 2 funds, DBM urged

A House leader on Saturday urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release stimulus funds to prop up the economy after President Duterte signed the P165-billion Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, or Bayanihan 2. —STORY BY DJ Yap

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SMC commits to help PH build back better

At the height of the COVID-19 lockdown last April, tycoon Ramon S. Ang made it clear where the government and private sector should place its focus. “Between life and money, I’d choose life,” said Ang, president of food, drinks and infrastructure conglomerate San Miguel Corp. —STORY BY Miguel R. Camus

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Metro cemeteries closed during ‘Undas’

By Meg Adonis

The new coronavirus pandemic has claimed as casualty in Metro Manila another tradition religiously followed by millions of Filipino Catholics throughout the country—visiting their departed loved ones in the cemeteries on All Saints’ Day.

The mayors of the 16 cities and one municipality in the metropolis on Sunday agreed to close cemeteries for the coming “Undas” season amid growing concerns over mass public gatherings and the rapid transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Undas is a local term for Día de Todos Los Santos, or All Saints’ Day. It is derived from the Spanish word “honrar” meaning “to honor,” and refers to the tradition of honoring the dead on this day.

All Saints’ Day is observed as a public holiday in the Philippines on Nov. 1.

In a text message, Metro Manila Council (MMC) Chair Edwin Olivarez, who is also mayor of Parañaque City, said the mayors would be discussing the implementation rules of the shutdown of cemeteries in the metropolis in an online meeting on Sunday night.

Manila was the first to announce the temporary closure of cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums in the city on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 (All Saints’ Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) and Nov. 3.

‘Compelling need’

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said there was a “compelling need to avoid the influx of people.” But he clarified that he would rescind his order should there be changes in government health measures before Oct. 31. —WITH A REPORT FROM TINA G. SANTOS INQ

Editorial

Save for retirement

It's unfortunate that many Filipinos seem to have very little interest when it comes to planning for retirement. This was evident in the results of a survey disclosed last week by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, who noted that Filipinos are among the most poorly prepared in the region for the financial challenges of retirement.

Read full story: opinion.inquirer.net