Samal opens new public cemetery

SAMAL opened a new public cemetery unlike regular public cemeteries as it features not just the regular burial places but also a space for mausoleums, a chapel and prayer area, and bone niches.

Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) city administrator Cleto B. Gales Jr., speaking in Monday's Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City, said the first phase of the Pahulayan Memorial Park was just completed at Barangay San Miguel, Samal District, which is only one kilometer away from the City Hall of Samal. He said the public cemetery was put up as an extension to the already congested public cemetery in Babak.

"The lots are cheaper compared to private cemetery. But it's like a private cemetery," he said. But being a public cemetery, occupancy of regular niches will not be forever.

Rather, the remains will be transferred to bone niches after five years. The bone niches will become the permanent resting place.

"Once it is completed, the cemetery will also have a columbarium," he said.

He said initial groundwork was funded by the City Government at P5 million, and a P20-million loan from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Gales said that this early, even those from Davao have already inquired about lots there.

"Some people (Dabawenyos) want to buy lots so that they can visit their deceased relatives and at the same time relax at the resorts," he said.
He said the revenues from the first phase will be turned to fund the remaining developments in the five-hectare property.