CEMETERIES are closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 as a measure to prevent mass gatherings that could become COVID-19 super spreaders. Thus visitors trickled into cemeteries to pay homage to their dearly departed ones before Oct. 29. And more would probably do so after Nov. 2.
We thus remind the public not to leave any garbage behind as a show of respect to the dead and to Mother Earth, too. Let’s keep all cemeteries garbage-free. Yes, politicians and political parties taking advantage of Undas is a concern, too. To them we say please do not flood cemeteries and their vicinities with tarpaulins and other direct or indirect propaganda. Let’s keep our cemeteries not only free of garbage but of partisan politics, too.
Aside from the minimum public health protocols that all visitors must observe, we enjoin everyone to leave nothing but flowers and prayers in the cemeteries. Littering in cemeteries disrespects the dead, the living and Mother Earth, too, and can no longer be tolerated. Littering is an environmental offense and is never acceptable.
Eat at home to avoid bringing food to the graveyard. If food is really needed, bring just enough amount in reusable containers and be sure to bring the containers and any leftovers home. Carry with you potable water in a reusable container to avoid consuming bottled water. Use reusable carry bags for your essentials instead of single-use plastic bags.
Pre-COVID-19, piles of garbage in every nook and corner, overflowing trash bins, and the truckloads of rubbish being hauled from cemeteries were a familiar sight during past observances of Undas. But pandemic or no pandemic, we are called to observe Undas in a respectful way that will not transform our cemeteries into instant garbage dumps.
