Wednesday - Oct 29, 2025

MANILA, Philippines - A nationwide focus on remembrance, travel, and public safety is underway as millions of Filipinos prepare to observe All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, a tradition deeply embedded in the nation's culture. Government agencies have mobilized extensive resources to manage the annual exodus to provinces and cemeteries.

In a massive coordinated effort to ensure a peaceful "Undas," transportation and security sectors are on high alert. Airports across the country are bracing for a significant influx of travelers, with authorities increasing personnel and implementing heightened security protocols from late October into early November. Projections indicate a substantial surge in air passenger traffic during this period. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and arrive at terminals well ahead of their scheduled flights to avoid delays.

On the ground, law enforcement visibility is being significantly increased. Tens of thousands of police officers, supported by the military, coast guard, and fire protection services, are being deployed to secure cemeteries, bus terminals, seaports, and other critical areas.

In the capital, local government units have issued specific guidelines for cemetery visits to maintain order. The City of Manila, for instance, has announced vehicle restrictions and will be enforcing a ban on certain items like liquor and sharp objects within its public cemeteries. Motorists in Metro Manila will get some relief as the number coding scheme is set to be suspended on October 31 to facilitate easier travel.

Beyond the holiday preparations, the Philippines is also stepping onto the regional stage. The nation has officially accepted the role of ASEAN chairman for the year 2026, taking the reins from Malaysia in a formal handover ceremony. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was present to receive the chairmanship, signaling the country's readiness to lead the Southeast Asian bloc.

In other domestic news, the Land Transportation Office has decided to pause the implementation of a ban on temporary and improvised license plates. The order, which was scheduled to take effect on November 1 and included a hefty fine, has been suspended pending a more thorough review by the agency's new leadership.

Meanwhile, a seasonal fishing ban for round scad, or "galunggong," will commence in the waters of Northern Palawan. This annual three-month closure is a conservation measure to allow the fish population to replenish. Additionally, national attention remains on the recovery efforts in eastern Mindanao following the strong earthquakes that recently affected the region, while weather authorities continue to monitor multiple systems influencing the country's climate.