DOH asks LGUs to build new cemeteries

CEBU, Philippines – Department of Health (DOH) officials are now asking the mayors of the various cities and municipalities in the region, particularly Cebu City, to look for other places to serve as public cemeteries because their existing burial sites are already full and violate several provisions of the sanitary code.

DOH 7 Director Susana Madarieta informed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama of the outcome of the investigation conducted by the health officials that most of the public cemeteries in Central Visayas, including in Cebu City, are still being utilized although already full and congested.

Madarieta also told Rama that there are private lots adjacent to the cemeteries that are being used as burial sites without the approval of the DOH, in violation of the provision of the Sanitary Code of the Philippines.

The law provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to bury remains in places other than those legally authorized.

Aside from Rama, chief executives of other towns in the region were also sent similar communications.

Madarieta explained that her office earlier received numerous complaints from several sectors of the community and some individuals about the conditions of public cemeteries, prompting her to take action.

The health officials were ordered to inspect the public cemeteries in their respective territorial jurisdictions and found that the reports were true.

"It is a sad fact to note that the findings and observations during the inspections were common to almost all the cemeteries in the region, and as such, it constitutes violations of the law," Madarieta said.

Because almost all public cemeteries are already full and yet continue to be used, the DOH considers them unsanitary and a menace to public health.

The health inspectors also observed that in most public cemeteries, including the cemeteries in Barangays Carreta and Calamba, the burial lots are not properly arranged.

"Dug graves, niches, tombs, mausoleums and other interment structures are in disarray. This is the result of no proper cemetery plan and supervision especially during interment. Cemeteries are not properly maintained resulting in its filthy and unsanitary condition," Madarieta added.

The DOH 7 regional director has recommended to Rama and other LGU officials to stop the use of unauthorized burial grounds and to initiate the closure of the already full and congested cemeteries that pose danger to public health.

Madarieta said the LGU should reserve a track of land for a new public cemetery. It was also observed that the LGUs failed to prevent the construction of houses near the cemetery.

The law prohibits the construction of residential houses in areas 25 meters-away from the cemetery and water sources shall not be allowed within in a 50 meter-distance.

Rama assured to evaluate the recommendations of Madarieta and to make proper action. (FREEMAN)