The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has directed its regional offices nationwide to coordinate with government agencies and private sector groups in supporting public safety and emergency assistance operations during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

In a memorandum issued on Friday, October 30, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez instructed regional directors to work with local government units, law enforcement agencies, disaster risk reduction offices and emergency response units in their respective areas.

The directive aims to ensure effective communications and coordination among agencies as millions of Filipinos are expected to visit cemeteries, memorial parks and other places to pay tribute to deceased relatives.

Regional offices were also ordered to monitor the operations of Civic Action Groups and Amateur Radio Groups, including their assigned routes, personnel locations, assistance posts and radio base stations throughout the Undas period.

The NTC said it would coordinate with telecommunications service providers when necessary to address reported service problems and help maintain reliable communications, particularly in areas expected to see increased public activity and mobile network traffic.

The commission also urged the public to observe safety advisories, take note of local emergency hotlines, keep mobile phones charged and maintain contact with family members. It reminded the public to use available communication channels responsibly, especially when requesting emergency assistance.

The debate over children’s access to social media is gaining ground in the Philippines, with lawmakers divided over whether users should be barred from the platforms until they turn 13 or 18.

The Senate and House of Representatives have approved separate measures seeking to restrict minors’ access to social media, reflecting growing concerns about online safety, cyberbullying, exploitation and exposure to harmful content.

The Senate approved Senate Bill 2424, or the SMART KIDS Act, by a vote of 16-1, with Senator Risa Hontiveros casting the lone dissenting vote.

The measure would prohibit individuals below 18 from accessing age-restricted social media platforms and require users to verify their ages through government-issued identification.

It would exempt services such as email, private messaging, educational platforms, news services and gaming applications, The Filipino Times reported.

The House adopted a less restrictive approach, approving House Bill 11566, or the SAFE KIDS Act, by a vote of 287-3 on Oct. 12.

The proposed measure would prohibit children below 13 from accessing social media, while allowing those aged 13 to under 18 to use the platforms under restrictions.

The two chambers must reconcile their differing age limits through a bicameral conference committee before the proposed legislation can be submitted to the president for approval.

Neither measure has become law.

Safety concerns versus access to technology

Supporters of the restrictions argue that younger users face risks from cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation and exposure to inappropriate material.

Online fraud is another concern. A Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey cited in the report found that one in five parents said their child had been victimized by a scam.

The proposed restrictions are intended to strengthen safeguards for minors as their use of digital platforms becomes more widespread.

But critics have questioned whether a broad prohibition would adequately address the risks while preserving the benefits children and families derive from online communication.

Hontiveros warned that restricting access could affect young people’s opportunities to earn income online and limit communication among families, particularly those with members working overseas.

She also raised concerns about the potential impact on the ability of users to report abuse, the Daily Tribune reported.

Experts question blanket restrictions

Mental health specialists and child welfare advocates have also called for a more targeted approach to regulating social media use among minors.

Dr. Anthony Grecia of the Philippine Mental Health Association said there was no clear scientific evidence establishing that social media directly causes violent behavior among young people.

Ace Diloy of the Stairway Foundation, meanwhile, advocated addressing potentially harmful platform features rather than relying solely on age-based restrictions.

These include infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven recommendations, which can influence the type and volume of content users encounter, The Manila Times reported.

The differing positions highlight a broader challenge for policymakers: protecting children from online harm without unnecessarily restricting access to information, communication and other digital opportunities.

The role of parents and schools

While lawmakers work toward a common version of the proposed legislation, families and schools remain important in helping children navigate online spaces.

Parents, teachers and older siblings can take an active role by discussing the content children encounter, understanding the applications they use and recognizing how online interactions affect their well-being.

Setting limits on screen time, including keeping meals free from electronic devices, can also encourage healthier digital habits.

Regular conversations about online experiences may help children identify inappropriate behavior, recognize potential scams and seek assistance when they encounter harmful content.

Ultimately, legislation can establish minimum safeguards, but protecting children online also requires continued guidance and involvement from families, educators and the wider community.

The Manila city government is urging residents to use its online grave locator services to find burial sites at the Manila North and South cemeteries ahead of the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

The digital services, known as Puntod Finder, allow users to search for deceased relatives by name and identify their burial locations, potentially reducing the time spent navigating the cemeteries during the annual influx of visitors.

The online locator for Manila North Cemetery is available at https://manilanorthcemetery.ph, while the Manila South Cemetery service can be accessed at https://manilasouthcemetery.com.

The tools may help families who have not visited burial sites for several years or no longer remember the exact locations of their relatives’ graves.

Visitors are advised to check search results before travelling and ensure they are using the website corresponding to the correct cemetery.

Manila South Cemetery will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, according to the information provided.

The city government also advised visitors to check cemetery announcements for operating schedules, entry requirements, vehicle restrictions and deadlines for cleaning or painting tombs.

Cemetery visits during Undas often involve large crowds and extended walking distances. Families are encouraged to allow additional travel time, bring drinking water and wear comfortable footwear.

The online locator is intended to help visitors organize their trips, particularly those accompanying senior citizens, children and relatives who may have difficulty walking across large cemetery grounds.

Undas is an annual Filipino tradition in which families visit the graves of departed relatives to offer prayers, flowers and candles and spend time remembering loved ones.