Dagupan cemeteries flooded during Undas
VISITING departed loved ones this year for the traditional observance of Undas on November 1 proved challenging for many Dagupeños as public and private cemeteries were flooded triggered by a series of typhoons, incessant rains, and the daily high tide.
At the public cemetery in Bonuan Boquig which has around 5,000 graves, caretaker Gabriel Velasco reported that many had difficulties in reaching the gravesites of their deceased relatives as some parts were submerged in knee-deep floodwater following the storm surge during Typhoon Kristine.
Attendance at the New Chinese Cemetery was sporadic, with many Filipino-Chinese visitors opting to simply make brief stops. This cemetery is the final resting place of Remedios Tan Fernandez, the mother of Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez.
The Old Chinese Cemetery, on the other hand, was flooded, peaking in some areas up to shin-deep floodwater.
At the Eternal Gardens Memorial Cemetery, the rear section, particularly the area of Our Lady of Manaoag, was extremely flooded, complicating access to grave sites.
The Court of Mother Ignacia also had some areas and pavements that were flooded, forcing some visitors to use bicycles to navigate the submerged sections.
Despite flooded cemeteries, the observance of Undas in Dagupan City was generally peaceful, according Lt. Col. Brendon Palisoc.
Police teams, alongside community safety forces, patrolled seven cemeteries to ensure the safety of visitors.
They also worked with the Public Order and Safety Office to ensure security as well as manage vehicular flow. (Ahikam Pasion)
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