Funeral homes to put up crematorium in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – An owner of a crematorium and funeral services in Iloilo City is proposing to put up a branch here to cater to clients who seek its services, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Councilor Jericho Angel Celino said he is amenable to the proposal of Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes and Crematory as Capiz residents will no longer go to Iloilo City for their cremation needs.

But Celino said the funeral business must follow certain requirements.

The Sanggunian Panlungsod (SP) of Roxas City has tackled the proposed establishment of crematorium here during its session recently.

City officials advised the crematorium owner to comply the requirements so that it could be deliberated in the committee hearing.

Gegato-Abecia has stopped accepting cadavers, particularly bodies of COVID-19 fatalities, so it can properly dispose cadavers that are due for cremation. It said it purchased another machine that can accommodate more cadavers in a day.

Meanwhile, residents of Brgy. Mongpong here were divided on the construction of the crematorium in their area.

Several residents opposed crematorium for health reasons.

But others were amenable because this will be another development in the city.

City councilor Paul Ivan Baticados, chairman committee on laws and ordinances, said the proposal is a delicate thing that needs public hearings with concerned government agencies and other sectors.