Undas 2026: Key reminders for a safe, clean cemetery visit

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos visit cemeteries this Undas to remember their departed loved ones, environmental advocates are urging them to reduce waste, while authorities are reminding families to keep children safe, observe fire precautions and prepare for changing weather.

From bringing reusable food containers and disposing of trash properly to keeping pathways clear and knowing where to seek emergency assistance, a few precautions can help visitors observe the occasion without putting themselves or others at risk.

“Every year, we see the aftermath of thousands flocking to cemeteries during Undas season — heaps of trash scattered along sidewalks, overflowing bins, food wrappers and containers left behind on tombstones — and every year, we continue to forward this campaign to reduce trash and make Undas completely waste-free,” said Ochie Tolentino, zero-waste campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition, in a statement issued Oct. 29.

The group renewed its call for an environmentally responsible observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) issued reminders on candle safety and fire prevention.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, increased its deployment for the expected influx of cemetery visitors and travelers.

READ: PNP raises Undas security deployment to over 73,000 personnel

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also warned of possible rain showers and thunderstorms in several parts of the country.

Here are some reminders for families planning to visit cemeteries this Undas.

Keep cemeteries clean

The EcoWaste Coalition is urging cemetery visitors to cut down on waste during Undas, warning that the annual influx of people often leaves trash on sidewalks, overflowing bins and food packaging on graves.

In a statement issued Oct. 29, the environmental group renewed its call for a waste-free observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Volunteers gathered at Manila North Cemetery in Santa Cruz, Manila, for a candle-lighting ceremony and campaign activities, bringing back the group’s Zombasura character to raise awareness about littering in cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria.

Their message: “Basura sa Undas: Iwasan! Bawasan!”

Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer

The coalition calls its cemetery etiquette campaign “Cemetiquette,” which offers practical reminders for visitors, from reducing plastic waste to cleaning graves responsibly.

Its recommendations include:

• Clean responsibly. Clean graves without burning rubbish or dumping trash on sidewalks or neighboring burial plots.
• Use lead-safe paint. When repainting tombs, choose lead-safe paint and avoid dry sanding or scraping surfaces that may contain lead-based paint.
• Pack only what you need. Bring food and drinks in reusable containers to avoid waste, and do not leave leftovers behind.
• Cut down on single-use plastics. Avoid disposable plastic bags, water bottles, food containers and cutlery.
• Dispose of trash properly. Use designated bins. If none are available, take waste home for sorting, recycling or composting.
• Choose flowers with less packaging. The group recommends locally grown flowers without plastic wrapping.
• Use candles responsibly. Choose clean-burning candles and do not allow plastic candle holders or containers to catch fire.
• Use proper comfort rooms. Do not urinate in public places or on graves.
• Do not smoke or vape in cemeteries. The group urges visitors to consider the people around them, particularly children, older people and pregnant women.

The amount of garbage collected during previous Undas observances also shows the cleanup work required around Metro Manila cemeteries. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported collecting 33 tons of garbage from 29 cemeteries from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2, 2023. In 2024, it collected 50 tons from 52 cemeteries between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4.

According to the EcoWaste Coalition’s monitoring of 25 public and private cemeteries last year, documented litter included disposable plastic packaging.

With cemeteries expected to draw crowds during Undas, visitors are reminded to keep pathways clear and avoid occupying neighboring graves with chairs, food or personal belongings.

Families should also keep their voices at a reasonable level and leave enough space for others to visit their loved ones and pray.

Graphics by Ed Lustan/Inquirer.net

Visitors taking photographs should be mindful of other mourners, particularly grieving families, and ask permission before including them in their pictures.

The EcoWaste Coalition also reminds visitors to respect cemetery grounds by using proper comfort rooms instead of urinating in public places or on graves.

It added that smoking and vaping should likewise be avoided inside cemeteries, particularly around children, older people, pregnant women and other visitors.

Keep children within sight

Families visiting cemeteries with children should keep them close, especially in crowded areas, and hold younger children’s hands while walking through busy sections.

Agreeing on a meeting point near an entrance or an official help desk can help families regroup if they become separated.

Children should also know a parent’s name and contact number, which can be written on an identification card or kept in their pocket.

Parents can dress children in brightly colored clothing to make them easier to spot in a crowd. Keeping a recent photo of a child on a phone may also help authorities identify them if they go missing.

Graphics by Ed Lustan/Inquirer.net

The BFP also reminds visitors to take note of emergency stations inside cemeteries and keep pathways clear so responders can reach people who need assistance.

READ: Undas 2026 in Manila: Grave finders, visiting hours, traffic advisories

Families should identify uniformed police officers, security guards and official help desks they can approach in case of an emergency.

In its Undas safety reminders, the BFP advises the public to call the Unified Emergency Hotline 911 when emergency assistance is needed.

Take precautions when using candles

Lighting candles is a familiar part of Undas, but the BFP warns that candles, matches, cigarette butts and other sources of ignition can pose fire hazards during the observance.

In its “Iwas-Sunog sa Undas” reminders, the BFP advises cemetery visitors to take these precautions:

• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Store them out of children’s reach to prevent accidental fires.
• Place candles in a basin or plate with a little water. This can help prevent fire from spreading if a candle topples or burns out.
• Keep the area around candles clear. Remove trash, dry leaves and other materials that can easily catch fire.
• Do not burn rubbish in cemeteries. Dispose of waste in designated bins instead.
• Avoid carelessly discarding cigarette butts. Keep lit cigarette butts away from dry leaves and other combustible materials.

READ: Data show fires rise during Undas: How to stay safe

The fire bureau also reminded visitors never to leave burning candles unattended and to follow cemetery rules on where candles may be lit.

Prepare for rain and heat

Filipinos visiting cemeteries this Undas should check the weather forecast before traveling and bring protection against both rain and sunlight, as Pagasa expects varying weather conditions across the country from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

“The Northeast Monsoon, Shear line, and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will be the dominant weather systems to affect the country during ‘Undas’,” the state weather bureau said in its special weather outlook for Undas 2026.

Graphics by Ed Lustan/Inquirer.net

For Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, with chances of localized rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

Other areas, including parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, may experience scattered rains and thunderstorms during the period.

Those planning to spend several hours at the cemetery should take the following precautions:

• Drink water regularly. Do not wait until you feel thirsty before drinking water.
• Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a hat or cap.
• Take breaks in shaded areas. Find a cool place to rest, especially when spending long periods outdoors.
• Bring sun and rain protection. Apply sunscreen and carry an umbrella or raincoat.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness. Dizziness, headaches, nausea, heavy sweating and unusual weakness may be warning signs.
• Seek help when needed. Move anyone feeling unwell to a cooler place and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist. /dm