The Davao City Economic Enterprise (CEE) has launched clearing operations in cemeteries to guarantee safe, clean and accessible surroundings as thousands of Dabawenyo families are expected to visit cemeteries during Undas 2026.
The initiative is carried out in coordination with the Davao City Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), 911, Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Mayors Office (CMO), and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC).
Maximo Macalipes Jr., MPA, MPM, Manager of CEE, told the City Information Office (CIO) that the initial clearing activities involved trimming trees, clearing tall grasses and vegetation to provide unobstructed pathways for visitors.
“Naga start nami og clearing sa Maa Public Cemetery and atleast naputol napod namo tung mga dagko na sagbot ug uban pa nga nakasagabal. Para dre-dretso na ang mga tawo nga maka bisita sa mga lubong. Mao ni ang atoang gina buhat para ready ta sa Undas 2026 (We already started the clearing operations at the Maa Public Cemetery and at least we have cut down tall grass and other obstructions. So that people can visit the graves without any obstacles. This is what we are doing to be ready for Undas 2026),” he said.
Macalipes added that tarpaulins containing cemetery guidelines will also be installed in public and private cemeteries, as well as barangays to remind residents of safety measures.
Clearing operations are scheduled at Maa Public Cemetery on September 23 to 24, Calinan Public Cemetery on September 30 to October 1 and Lubogan Public Cemetery on October 7 to 8, 2026.
The CEE also urged Dabawenyos to cooperate by maintaining cleanliness, avoiding the burning of waste inside cemetery premises and adhering to safety protocols.
“I continue pod nato og maintain ang cleanliness sa surroundings sa ilahang tag tungod nga pantyon. Bawal pod ta mag sunog dinhaa so dapat likayan nato na (We also continue to maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings of their area because it is a cemetery. We are also prohibited from burning there, so we should avoid that),” he added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: Davao City Economic Enterprise