Even before Undas, Tatay George visited the graves of his deceased loved ones.
Alongside this, he removed some plants around the graves.
This is while the local government still allows cleaning at the Baguio City Public Cemetery.
“At least we don’t forget them, even though they’re no longer with us. We really must clean their graves,” said George Mina, cemetery visitor.
Nanay Alma, on the other hand, solemnly prayed for her deceased loved ones.
But their whole family is still set to visit on Undas.
“For us, it’s simple, no grand feast,” Said ‘Alma’.
They are just a few of those who visited the cemetery early before the crowd arrives.
However, most of them were cleaning and ensuring where they would settle when Undas comes.
Nearly two weeks before Undas, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Asingan, Pangasinan, have been working hard making candles.
This is in preparation for the rising demand as Undas approaches.
According to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, they started making candles in September this year.
This has also become their livelihood every year.
According to Rose Ann Alfonso, Head of the PDAO – Asingan, “This livelihood is really a big help to our PWDs because it makes them productive. Unlike before, when they were just at home and couldn’t work anymore.”
Aside from traditional candles, they also make swan-shaped and scented candles.
These candles are sold for 120 pesos each.
“Our abilities are not a hindrance to making various things. As they say, disabled but able, that’s what we strive for in our town,” said Samuel Veloria, candle maker.
They aim to finish a thousand candles a day before Undas.
“What we’ve made so far isn’t enough because many people support us here, to help our PWDs,” Samuel added.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now closely monitoring candle prices.
“We want to remind all retailers that we have many laws. If you violate them, you can be charged,” Atty. Samuel Gallardo, Assitant Regional Director of the DTI Cordillera warns.
One of the things they will monitor is the implementation of the correct Suggested Retail Price (SRP).
Those who violate this may face charges for violating Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act.
They could also face five to fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to 2 million pesos.
Under the August 2022 SRP List of the Department of Trade and Industry, the price of a 5-star Esperma candle ranges from 49.83 pesos to 137.93 pesos, depending on the type.
Exported candles are priced from 29.75 pesos to 99.75 pesos.
Liwanag Esperma candles range from 46.42 pesos to 177.71 pesos.
Manila Wax candles range from 47.74 pesos to 82.76 pesos, depending on the type.
Any incident of overpricing may be reported to DTI through 1-DTI (384) or 0917-834-3330.
Meanwhile, complaints regarding overpriced candles can be directed to these numbers.
**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
