Passenger exodus begins as gov't announces 'very high' preparedness for Undas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were placed on heightened alert to ensure the safe, orderly, and peaceful travel of millions of Filipinos for this year's observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day with the government declaring its "very high" preparedness for Undas.

- BETHEENA UNITE, MARTIN SADONGDONG and JEL SANTOS

"Napakataas po ng readiness ng ating gobyerno para diyan. Kung tutuusin po, taun-taon na nagaganap ang Undas kaya po handang-handa po ang gobyerno para diyan (We can say that the government's level of preparedness is very high. After all, Undas happens every year, so the government is well-prepared for it)," Palace Press Officer and Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea on Friday, Oct. 31.

President Marcos has already directed concerned agencies to make the necessary preparations for the observance of Undas The President, who is now in South Korea for the APEC Summit, told agencies that they must always be prepared and ordered heightened monitoring and security measures during the holidays.

The Palace official said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a directive to ensure that field offices are prepared to provide any needed assistance to passengers returning to their provinces.

The DSWD also assured that it has sufficient relief supplies, including ready-to-eat food packs, family food packs, and other non-food items, in case travelers become stranded.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also conducted a market inspection to ensure that there are no price hikes on Undas-related goods.

It assured the public that the DTI will continue to monitor prices to keep goods affordable while ensuring business sustainability and profitability for everyone's benefit.

The Department of Health (DOH) also advised individuals experiencing cough, colds, or fever to refrain from going out and stay home to protect the elderly and those with chronic diseases from possible infection.

It also inspected DOH emergency tents along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in anticipation of the expected influx of passengers heading home for the Undas break.