UNDAS 2022

Ericka Mae L. Gregorio

Every 01 November and 02 November, Filipinos celebrate All Saint's Day and All
Souls Day. Last few weeks some Filipinos was pay respect to beloved dead relatives
and friends. On this yearly observance, known as “UNDAS”, Millions of individual travels
to their respective provinces and flock around the graves lighting their colorful candles
and placing nicely decorated flowers as a way of remembering the life of the person in
compliance with Undas 2022. Filipinos have always kept this practice.

It’s been two years since we last experienced maskless gatherings and protocol-
free holidays, and the word social distancing was not yet popular. Although, after
COVID-19 hit the country, there were changes far from the old normal, a couple of
years later the Filipinos already developed and adapted to the new normal. This is the
first time in two years that Filipinos can observe this tradition in person again after the
government restricted entry into cemeteries on Undas at the height of the number of
people infected with the virus the COVID-19 pandemic. But then again, local
government agencies have started to put policies in place to make sure that cemetery
visitors follow safety and health guidelines. Since the spread of COVID-19, this tradition
has been halted for safety. Protocols have been enforced and masks, since then, have
been a must. Visiting cemeteries were stopped but last year it has been eased by
scheduling and limiting the number of people who can visit. This year, as we
continuously recover from the effects of the pandemic, people are getting more used to
this 'new normal' set-up. Cemeteries are now accessible to the public, the transit system
is in operation, and the restrictive regulations are properly followed. People are
becoming accustomed to the situation, much like they would with other public
gatherings like graduation ceremonies and political rallies. Filipinos are so gently and
securely making a comeback and restoring their traditions from before the health crisis.
A lot of individuals wake up early to prepare supplies and meals to bring to the
cemetery. The situation in the cemeteries was generally peaceful, particularly here in
General Santos City. The only problem is that it caused heavy traffic on the national
highway, especially at Forest Lake Memorial Park.

However, despite our current situation, the goal of our government is to repair
and widen the roads to the cemetery to avoid traffic and malfunctions. And also bringing
back what every individual used to enjoy before.