The Bacolod City Government allocated P4 million for the improvement of Barangay Handumanan Cemetery.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of committee on finance, said Tuesday the allocation was included in the proposed P2.250-billion annual budget for 2018.
“We are expecting that the Burgos Public Cemetery would be up for closure, except for those who have existing graves, but we are still awaiting the final decision of Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the committee,’ Distrito said.
He said the City Government will repair the Handumanan cemetery’s perimeter fence, niches, footwalk, among others.
Councilor Wilson Gamboa had earlier asked the cemetery regulatory board to convene to discuss the proposed closure of the Burgos Public Cemetery.
He said the regulatory board should take up the status of the public cemeteries especially the Burgos Public Cemetery, and make a recommendation.
Moreover, Distrito said the P4 million will also include the improvement of the Muslim cemetery adjacent to the Handumanan burial site.
Hipolito Fos, president of Center for Islamic Studies and Da’wah of Negros Inc., had earlier asked the consideration of the city government to provide a regular monthly salary for the cemetery caretaker.
They also asked to repair the main gate and fence, develop the burial ground, repair the existing shed, and install lighting and water utilities.