JUST two weeks before the observance of Undas, graveyard workers at the Calasiao Municipal Cemetery expressed concerns over unusually low earnings this year, blaming persistent flooding.

According to a local sepulturero (grave digger) who goes by the alias “Dindo,” October is typically a busy and profitable time for them as families request services such as tomb cleaning, repainting, and the removal of melted candle residue to prepare graves for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day visits.

But this year, things are different.

“By the second week of October, we usually start getting nonstop work. But now, it’s slow. Some of us haven’t had a single client in days,” Dindo said.

Many workers believe that two major factors are driving the low turnout: Undas falls on a Saturday this year, giving families less flexibility to prepare in advance, and flooding still affects nearly 40% of the cemetery, with some areas in knee-deep water.

Despite the challenges, workers remain hopeful.

“We’re praying that the floodwaters recede before the end of October. That’s the only way we can catch up and earn before the actual Undas,” another worker added.

The situation in Calasiao highlights the vulnerability of freelance cemetery workers, who rely heavily on seasonal income. (Ahikam Pasion)