Pasig City:The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), along with local government units, is finalizing traffic and safety plans for Undas 2026 and the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, with plans to suspend road excavation works during this period.
According to Philippines News agency, MMDA Chair Romando "Don" Artes stated during a press conference at the MMDA headquarters that preparations are being initiated early due to the convergence of Undas, also known as All Saints' and All Souls' Day, with the regional summit, which necessitates enhanced coordination among various agencies.
The MMDA will deploy 2,419 personnel for Undas 2026, which will occur from October 24 to November 3, 2026, to manage traffic and provide assistance near major cemeteries such as Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, San Juan Public Cemetery, and Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City. The MMDA Traffic Discipline Office will also offer medical assistance, implement traffic rerouting, and arrange emergency response measures.
Additionally, the MMDA is coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police for surprise drug testing at selected bus terminals to ensure commuter safety. The agency's Road Emergency Group will have ambulances and rescue vehicles on standby, supported by a fleet of 33 vehicles and 1,000 traffic cones. Cleanup operations around cemeteries will be conducted by the Metro Parkways Clearing Group from October 25 to November 3.
For the ASEAN Summit, permits for public events such as fun runs, motorcades, and processions will be suspended in several cities, including Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, and Taguig, from October 24 to November 20. There will be partial restrictions at the Philippine International Convention Center and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex starting October 24, followed by a full lockdown on November 7. A moratorium on road excavation works will begin on November 1 and last until midnight of December 23, 2026, to reduce road disruptions during summit preparations and the Christmas season.
Carlos Sabarre of the National Organizing Committee stressed the importance of coordination to ensure the country's preparedness. Representatives from Metro Manila LGUs, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the National Organizing Committee, utility companies, telecommunications providers, and other relevant agencies attended the meeting.
