ILOILO City – Anticipating massive vehicular buildup and crowd congestion, the city government will implement citywide traffic rerouting and road closures on November 1 (All Saints’ Day) as thousands are expected to flock to cemeteries for yearly observance.
According to Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (ITTMO) head Uldarico Garbanzos, six major cemeteries will be covered by the rerouting plan, with adjustments depending on the actual traffic flow and crowd volume.
“These traffic changes are necessary to manage the expected influx of people visiting their loved ones,” Garbanzos said. “We are deploying additional personnel to direct traffic, assist motorists, and maintain order in and around the cemeteries.”
The traffic scheme will cover Tanza Cemetery, La Paz Catholic Cemetery, Jaro Catholic Cemetery, Mandurriao Public Cemetery, Arevalo Public Cemetery, and the Philippine Independent Church Cemetery.
For Tanza Cemetery, a no-entry zone will be enforced along Delgado Street from Infante Street to Jalandoni Street. Vehicles from Jalandoni and Bagumbayan must take alternate routes, while trucks and trailers will be banned from the area.
In La Paz, Jereos Extension leading to the Catholic Cemetery will be closed, with heavy vehicles also prohibited.
For Jaro Catholic Cemetery, Cuartero Street — from Arguelles Extension to Losin Subdivision — will be off-limits in both directions. Designated detours will be implemented to ease congestion.
In Mandurriao, localized traffic control will be observed, while in Arevalo, closures will start at 4 p.m. on November 1. Portions of Oñate Street from R. Mapa to De Leon Street and Perfecto Street from Rizal to R. Mapa will be closed. De Leon Street will function as a one-way road from Mejorada to Mirasol.
Meanwhile, in the vicinity of the Philippine Independent Church Cemetery, Yulo Drive — from Bonifacio Street to Villa Carolina Subdivision — will be temporarily closed. Alternate routes will be provided for motorists heading to Arevalo.
Garbanzos said around 380 traffic personnel, in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), will man intersections, assist pedestrians, and enforce rerouting plans.
“We appeal to everyone’s cooperation. Please follow the instructions of our traffic enforcers to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary congestion,” Garbanzos urged. “We expect heavy movement of vehicles and pedestrians, so patience and discipline on the road are very important.”
Emergency lanes will be maintained near the cemeteries for ambulances and police vehicles. “Our goal is to keep traffic flowing while ensuring public safety. Undas is not only a time for remembrance but also a time when we must work together for a peaceful and orderly observance,” he added.
Motorists are advised to plan routes ahead, avoid restricted areas, and consider visiting cemeteries earlier or during off-peak hours to minimize delays./PN