Marcos assures safe, convenient travel as PH gears up for Undas 2026

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is beefing up transport, security, and emergency response preparations to ensure safe and convenient travel for Filipinos observing Undas 2026.

In a video statement, Marcos said the Department of Transportation and other government agencies are conducting extensive inspections at airports, seaports, and bus terminals.

READ: Dizon inspects Naia T1 ahead of Undas 2026 travel rush

Article continues after this advertisement

“Ngayong darating na Undas, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya o dadalaw sa mga sementeryo upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Marcos said.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

(Now that Undas is approaching, many of our countrymen will be returning to their respective provinces or visiting cemeteries to remember and pray for their departed loved ones.)

“Kaya nais nating tiyakin na magiging ligtas, maayos at maginhawa ang kanilang pagbiyahe at pagdalaw,” he also said.

(That is why we want to ensure that their travels and cemetery visits will be safe, orderly, and convenient.)

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Oct. 30

Article continues after this advertisement

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has also issued more than 1,000 special permits for buses, while road repairs along major thoroughfares have been expedited to ensure smoother traffic flow.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority released relaxation orders and special Oct. 29 and will do until Nov. 3 to allow more flexible sailing schedules for passenger ships, with additional trips on select routes as needed.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Para sa mga kababayan nating lilipad papasok o palabas ng bansa, tinitiyak natin na sapat ang tao at walang bakanteng immigration counter mula October 30 hanggang November 3,” Marcos said.

(For our countrymen traveling to and from the country by air, we are ensuring that there will be sufficient personnel and that no immigration counters will be left unattended from October 30 to November 3.)

He added, “Paiigtingin din ang paggamit ng mga digital system kagaya ng eGates upang mas mapabilis ang pagpila. Kasabay ng pagdagsa ng mga pasahero, magkakaroon ng round-the-clock help desk ang mga pangunahing terminal mula October 29 hanggang November 3 upang umalalay sa mga biyahero.”

(We will also intensify the use of digital systems, such as eGates, to speed up passenger processing. With the expected surge in passengers, major terminals will also have round-the-clock help desks from October 29 to November 3 to assist travelers.)

In Metro Manila, Marcos said more than 2,000 personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been deployed to help manage traffic near cemeteries.

He also said various government agencies are conducting inspections to ensure that cemeteries, churches, and other crowded areas are ready and safe for the public.

“Ang Bureau of Fire Protection ay may nakahandang rumesponde kung sakaling magkaroon ng insidente,” he said.

(The Bureau of Fire Protection is ready to respond in case of any incidents.)

Hospitals and health emergency teams are also on standby and coordinating with local government units to ensure an immediate response to emergencies.

“Sa ating mga kababayang babiyahe, may ilan lamang akong paalala. Planuhin ang inyong biyahe at alamin ang mga abiso tungkol sa trapiko at pagbabago ng ruta. Kung gagamit ng pampublikong transportasyon, agahan ang pagpunta sa terminal. Kung maaari, bumili na ng ticket nang maaga,” Marcos told the public.

(To our countrymen who will be traveling, I have a few reminders. Plan your trips and stay informed about traffic advisories and road rerouting. If you will be taking public transportation, leave for the terminal early. If possible, purchase your tickets in advance.)

He also urged travelers to exercise caution when bringing and lighting candles, follow cemetery rules, and cooperate with authorities.

“Nariyan ang 911 para sa mga emergency at ang mga official page ng DOT [Department of Tourism], DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], DOH [Department of Health], MMDA, PNP  [Philippine National Police] at BFP [Bureau of Fire Protection] para ipakalat ang mahahalagang impormasyon,” he said.

(The 911 emergency hotline is available for emergencies, while the official pages of the DOT [Department of Tourism], DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], DOH [Department of Health], MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority], PNP [Philippine National Police], and BFP [Bureau of Fire Protection] provide important information.)

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Marcos also said, “Ang Undas ay panahon ng paggunita at pag-alala sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Nawa’y maging payapa at makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino.” /jpv