By Saul E. Pa-a
SANTA CRUZ, Laguna (PNA) — Cemetery goers and the public here expressed disappointment that besides visiting the graves and tombs of their dearly departed, they too would encounter grave problem and grope in the dark literally as the power service utility Meralco cut power service in the public cemetery on Friday.
Santa Cruz folk said this is the first time in their “Undas” observance where they experience power interruption and were resigned to just lighting candles as dusk falls Friday.
Some goers brought back their flowers and some candles as they returned home for fear the flower offerings and candles would be carted away by thieves as the grave site plunged into darkness.
According to the Santa Cruz local government here, the cemetery contractor still owes to Meralco its past obligation and no new contractor forge a power deal with Meralco this year.
This prompted the power service utility firm to cut electricity and left the local government unit to devise a lighting system installed with fluorescent bulbs only at the entrance, walkway and around the cemetery perimeter.
The Santa Cruz local government said it advised the public ahead that it cannot provide sufficient lighting system up to the graves and tomb sites and urged the cemetery goers to use candles or bring their own portable rechargeable lighting gadgets.
The other cemeteries such as “Himlayan ng mga Anghel”, “Paradiso Cemetery” and the “Garden of Peace” remained lighted.
Police and traffic personnel here implemented their “Undas 2013” traffic management plan and guided motorists and pedestrians to ease traffic flow, routing, vehicle movement and parking areas.
Meanwhile, Laguna Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito Estregan accompanied by his wife Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Girlie Ejercito led their action teams in distributing free bottled water to the cemetery goers here.
They also visited cemeteries in San Pedro, Cabuyao City, and Calamba City for the free mineral water services for the “Undas 2013” cemetery goers.
Meanwhile, in Pakil, Laguna, the throng of cemetery-goers spent their Christian holiday tradition like a family and clan reunion after offering flowers, lighting candles and saying prayers before the graves of their departed loved ones.
Pakil chief of police, Police Senior Inspector Jojo Sabellano disclosed that the public turn-out and cemetery situations were orderly and smooth so far.
Bantay Bayan volunteers and Barangay Police Action Teams (BPATs) said there were no reports of alcoholic drinks and liquor, sharp and bladed weapons and flammable materials slipped into the cemeteries.
They expected the families and clans would spend the night in the cemeteries with story-telling, eating and sharing narratives.
The Laguna Red Cross 143 members were on stand-by as the Pakil 4017 radio communications and assistance group mobilized volunteers for traffic updates and situation reports.