The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy 2,419 personnel to manage traffic and assist the public around major cemeteries in Metro Manila during Undas 2026, as authorities also prepare for the country's hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
The preparations were discussed during a coordination meeting involving the MMDA, local government units (LGUs), and national government agencies on October 21 to strengthen public safety and traffic management during the two major events.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said early preparations are necessary because Undas coincides with the ASEAN Summit, requiring closer coordination among government agencies.
“We are strengthening our preparations for Undas and the ASEAN Summit in coordination with our partner agencies and local government units to ensure public safety and the orderly movement of people and vehicles,” Artes said.
The MMDA personnel will be deployed around major cemeteries, including Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, San Juan Public Cemetery, and Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City.
Additional measures will include medical assistance, traffic rerouting, and emergency response arrangements, according to MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director Atty. Vic Nuñez.
The agency will also coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct surprise drug testing on bus drivers and conductors at selected bus terminals.
The MMDA's Road Emergency Group will place ambulances and rescue vehicles on standby, while its Metro Parkways Clearing Group will conduct cleanup operations around cemeteries from October 25 to November 3.
ASEAN Summit traffic restrictions
Meanwhile, the MMDA will implement traffic and public event restrictions in preparation for the 49th ASEAN Summit.
The issuance of permits for fun runs, motorcades, processions, and similar public events will be temporarily suspended from October 24 to November 20 in Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, and Taguig cities.
Partial restrictions will also be implemented at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex beginning October 24, followed by a full lockdown starting November 7.
A moratorium on road excavation works will take effect on November 1 and remain in place until midnight of December 23, 2026, to minimize road disruptions during summit preparations and the Christmas season.
Carlos Sabarre of the ASEAN Summit National Organizing Committee (NOC) emphasized the importance of coordination among agencies to ensure the country's readiness to host the regional gathering.
“We’re anticipating all possible scenarios and ensuring that the necessary preparations are in place,” Sabarre said.
Representatives from Metro Manila LGUs, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, utility companies, telecommunications providers, and other concerned agencies attended the meeting to coordinate operational plans and address potential concerns.
