Crematorium measure to undergo public hearing anew

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council’s Committee on Environment has recommended another public hearing on the proposed ordinance seeking to establish a crematorium and cremation unit under the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

The proposed ordinance is sponsored by Councilor James Cuenco.

 “Considering that this involves an environmentally-critical project, this Committee also recommends for the conduct of a public hearing to be attended by the persons affected by the said establishment (i.e., neighboring businesses, residences, and barangay),” read the committee report.

Cuenco, for his part, said he is amenable for the conduct of another public hearing on those that would be affected.

However, he requested for this new public hearing to be “held in abeyance” until such time that they are able to identify a new site for the crematorium.

“Because from the last public hearing, we heard that the CCMC is not ready to accommodate this facility so we are looking for a new site. Until such time that a new site has been identified, then we will request the Secretariat to schedule a new public hearing,” said Cuenco.

A public hearing has already been conducted on the proposed ordinance as recommended by the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling.

The Committee on Environment also recommended for the conduct of a feasibility study. The committee cited Presidential Decree No. 856 otherwise known as the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines” which provides for the rules and regulations for establishment and operation of crematorium by public and private cemeteries, funeral parlors, and hospitals.

Section 8 of the said Implementing Rules provides for the “Requirements for the Establishment and Operation of Crematorium” which requires, among others, a feasibility study reviewed by the Regional Office of the Department of Health and approved by the Secretary of Health or his duly authorized representative. Moreover, the committee said other requirements provided therein should also be complied with.

In addition, the committee recommended for an amendment of the proposed ordinance as recommended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources — Environmental Management Bureau-7 as this measure was also referred to the DENR — EMB 7 for review and recommendation.

The said office recommended that Section 2 of  (Declaration of Principles) of Republic Act No. 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 be included under the WHEREAS clauses and/or Section 2 of the proposed ordinance.

It further recommended that Section 7 of the proposed ordinance be amended to, “Smokestack’s emission should meet and comply with the standards set by the DENR — EMB. Provided further that, the cremation units must first to secure a valid Permit to Operate prior its operation by the DENR — EMB.” — FPL (FREEMAN)