By US News Agency / Asian

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and other civic groups said Thursday they are all for rendering public assistance during the the national observance of All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day on November 1, 2010 and November 2, 2010, respectively.

For its part, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is prepared to mobilize its staff and volunteers in all public and private cemeteries, bus terminals and key areas on those dates.

PRC officials said Red Cross chapters nationwide will put up first aid stations with ambulances to be manned by their staff and volunteers to ensure safety of the general public.

“PRC volunteers and emergency response teams will be deployed to major thoroughfares such as North and South Luzon expressways, cemeteries and memorial parks to give emergency care and assistance to people who will suffer from heat stroke, wounds, hypertension and other illnesses. This is our commitment every year,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

All Saints’ Day is a feast celebrated on November 1 in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. The feast also commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven, while the next day, All Souls’ Day, commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.

Meanwhile, operators of provincial bus lines and toll ways have readied their fleet and facilities ahead of the observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1, when motorists and passengers from Metro Manila usually flock to the provinces.

Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) president Homer Mercado, bus operators have anticipated the sudden surge of demand for their services that is why they will be adding trips to ferry more passengers to their respective destinations.

“During seasons like Undas (All Saints’ Day), we dispatch our buses very early to save time and to add more trips to the regular schedule. We also orient our drivers, at least two week before Undas, to prepare them to the exodus of passengers and remind them about safety measures on the road,” he said.