JVR’s plan to construct funeral home questioned

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Aldrin Diaz sees no problem with the plan of Mayor Johnny delos Reyes to construct a funeral home for the poor. 

But he said a funeral home would have to construct a mortuary, which the Department of Health prohibits for health reasons.

“Where are we going to place it? Does the city’s zoning allow the construction of a mortuary in the city? The Department of Health will refuse any application for the construction of a mortuary in the city,” Diaz said.

His reaction does not mean he is against the idea. He said he is only presenting facts. 

Diaz owns the St. Francis Memorial Homes, which has 18 branches in Cebu.

“Kung magtukod ang city og funeral, then we will also build a morgue. We will hire an embalmer,” Diaz said. 

He said the city has a standing memorandum of agreement with St. Francis Memorial Homes, which the city government pays P3,000 for a casket. 

Instead of constructing and building a funeral home, Diaz suggested to link or partner with funeral firms that will help the poor with funeral services, embalming, among others. 

In a separate interview, Association of Barangay Council president Charles Basillote shares Diaz’s observation. 

Basillote said the plan of the mayor is “very noble” but the site for it must be identified first. 

“It needs a public hearing. Kinahanglan pangitaan og lugar diin kabutangan ug kinahanglan acceptable sa publiko,” Basillote said. 

Basillote said a crematorium, which was constructed at a private lot in barangay Dumlog, met stiff opposition from homeowners and the public for health reasons. 

Meanwhile, City Councilor Socrates C. Fernandez, who is the chairman of the committee on social services, will propose a resolution authorizing Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with St. Francis Memorial Homes. 

“It is the desire and intent of the Local Government Unit of the City of Talisay to serve its constituents by way of providing burial assistance to our indigent constituents,” Fernandez said. 

The proposal will be discussed during today’s council session. 

According to Fernandez, the assistance can be better facilitated through a tie-up with a mortuary service firm such as St. Francis Memorial Homes, which expresses interest and willingness to coordinate with the city in providing a pauper burial/mortuary service to deserving indigent families.  (FREEMAN)