BY GLENDA TAYONA and RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO City – Ilonggos have started cleaning cemeteries in preparation for this year’s Undas that is traditionally observed by visiting the tombs of departed loved ones.
It’s a yearly routine ahead of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively, according to 49-year-old Jemry Socias and his family.
Panay News team chanced upon Socias, barangay captain of Purok II, Pavia, Iloilo cleaning the tombs of his father, grandfathers and uncles at the Pavia Catholic Cemetery yesterday.
Socias explained they find it ideal to go to the cemetery days before Nov. 1 and 2 to clean tombs to avoid the crowd and be safe from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Early para indi maggutok sa patyo kay kon two to three days before damu na tawo, galikaw man kita sa COVID,” said Socias.
As part of the tradition, he said, it is really important for their family to remember their dead relatives that’s why they take turns in making sure that their resting places are clean.
Meanwhile, for Anabella Cevallos of Barangay Cabugao Sur, Pavia, Undas or not, she always makes sure that the tomb of her husband is taken care of, the reason why she hired a caretaker.
She regularly visits her husband at the Christ the King Memorial Park in Barangay Ungka II, Jaro district.
“Siempre dumdomon mo gid kay bisan wala na s’ya sa kabuhi mo, amo na lang na ang mahimo mo sa iya nga handumanan nga indi mo man s’ya malimtan sa kabuhi mo,” she said.
Panay News chanced upon Cevallos visiting the tomb of her husband yesterday. She said she may no longer visit on Nov. 1 especially if the memorial park is crowded.
“Mas nami nga early kay mas matawhay kapin pa subong nga pandemic. Ti, ga-aware man kami, siempre may edad na, gahalong gid,” she told Panay News.
The city and province of Iloilo are imposing the “no vaccination card, no entry” policy in all cemeteries.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas earlier issued Executive Order (EO) No. 85-2022 providing guidelines on the observance of All Saints’ and Souls’ days and regulating some activities in this southern city.
Under the EO, beginning 12 a.m. of Oct. 31, 2022 until 11:59 p.m. of Nov. 2, 2022, both public and private cemeteries, columbaria and similar places may only allow entry of individuals who are either fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
Those who will come to the cemeteries must present their COVID-19 vaccination cards and a valid identification card as proofs. Minors, who are also required of vaccination card, should be accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.
All individuals may be considered fully vaccinated if more than or equal to two weeks had transpired after he/she has received the second dose in a two-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to two weeks after he/she has received a single-dose vaccine.
Partially vaccinated, meantime, are those who have received one or more doses of an authorized vaccine but have not reached the full 14 days after the final dose of the primary series.
Also, in Iloilo province, only individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to enter the cemeteries on Nov. 1 and 2.
Under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s EO No. 260-H-2022 extending COVID-19 Alert Level 1 until Oct. 31, 2022, all cemeteries and columbaria in the province shall be open during Piesta Minatay but visitors must be fully vaccinated, wear facemasks and observe minimum public health standards.
Cemetery visitors must also present their vaccination cards.
For unvaccinated individuals, Treñas and Defensor advised them to visit cemeteries earlier or after Nov. 2./PN