Kalunasan cemetery opposed

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of residents of Barangay Kalunasan have signed a petition against the putting up of a cemetery at the Osmeña shrine for the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu.

The Beverly Hills Association, Inc. headed by its President Jose Gapas and Vice President Noel Belonguel, in a letter addressed to Mayor Michael Rama, said they are against the establishment of a cemetery citing that it is unsuitable and detrimental to the public.

“We, the residents of the Barangay Kalunasan Beverly Hills and Beverly Glen are totally against the establishment of a cemetery at the Osmeña shrine for the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu,” the letter read.

Kalunasan barangay councilman Oliver Ocampo said the proposal was brought up during the time of former mayor and now Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

But Ocampo said that the residents are against the proposal to establish a cemetery at the Osmeña shrine. He said Osmeña is expected to attend a public hearing in their barangay today to hear the opposition.

In their objection, the Beverly Hills Association pointed out that the area is not suitable for a cemetery because it is a residential area.

If the plan will push through, the health of the public will be put at risk.

“The cemetery will contaminate the ground water which is the source of drinking water of the residents around the shrine. It will adversely affect the water quality,” the letter read. They also pointed out that the environment will be affected considering that there are trees covering the Osmeña shrine, which were planted by students.

Also, they cited that the Constitution provides for the separation of the church and the state and claimed the donation of the Osmeña shrine to the Evangelical Christian Coalition of Cebu will violate this.

“We believe that in this particular situation, a cemetery is not suitable, would be a detriment to us members of the public. Please reconsider your decision and the effect it will have on residents living nearby,” they said.  (FREEMAN)