• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City local government announced the implementation of limited visiting hours for all public cemeteries in the city during the observance of Undas.
The 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. visiting hours will take effect from October 31 to November 2, along with other rules and regulations, such as the ban on liquor and weapons inside the premises.
“We set visiting hours to regulate the in and out of visitors in the cemetery. We want to avoid the staying [of visitors] inside without monitoring,” City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said.
He stated that the prescribed visiting hours were recommended by the General Service Office and Bacolod City Police Office.
The City Administrator said that they also relayed the visiting hours to the stakeholders of private cemeteries during their coordination meeting.
In addition, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved eight designated locations for the selling of flowers, candles, and food items.
Mayo confirmed the approval, specifying areas such as the vicinities of the Handumanan and Granada Cemeteries.
Selling is permitted in the Burgos Market Area, from Police Station 4 to the corner of Lopez Jaena Street, and from the corner of Hilado Street to the corner of Ramos Street.
Vendors can set up along Hernaez and Mabini Streets, as well as Gonzaga Street, across the Bacolod City Government Center replica, and on San Juan Street.
As of press time, around 150 special permits for vendors have been approved.
“Our cemeteries are located in highly populated areas so we expect a crowd of visitors and we don’t want to not control the in and out of people,” Mayo added.*
