Mlang opens new cemetery

MLANG, North Cotabato - The Mlang local government unit here hasopened to the public itsnewly acquired 5-hectare lot for public cemetery.It opened just in time for the Catholic observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.Mayor Joselito Pinol said the establishment of a new and organized public memorial parkcame after the old pubic had been filled.He saidthe LGU has spent P2 million for the lot purchased including the constructions of 350 apartment type tombs and 360 bone niches. These facilities are now ready to accommodate clients who wanted to bury their dead or even transfer the remains of departed love ones in the bone niches,” Pinol said. In the past three years, signs of overcrowding and lack of space were observed at the Tawantawan cemetery so the idea of another cemetery had to be constructed. I was even joking before that perhaps our dead will be complaining because of the condition of our public burial site,” Pinol said. The apartment type tomb costs P6,500 rental fees for 5 years while the bone niche is worth P1,500 as payment for perpetual ownership. Mayor Pinol said the indigent clients have also a place in the cemetery. He saidcentral portion of the newly acquired cemetery will serve as burial grounds for indigents for only P300. Our indigent constituents that cannot afford to pay the rentals for our apartment type will be entombed in the grounds at the center portion with free marker,” he said. The LGU has allotted P40 million for the continuing site development including the construction of additional apartment tombs which will serve as perimeter fence of the burial sites. Meantime the old public cemetery will also undergo renovations and face-lifting. Hernand Dapudong, the caretaker, said his office is now implementing color-coding of old tombs. Relatives will be fully informed of the development plan for the old burial site. Dapudong explained that the colors black, blue and red are among the priorities for exhumations since these will be affected by the renovation to start next year. Dapudong said only personnel from the local government are allowed to exhume to ensure proper procedures. The families of the dead will be requried to paythe exhumation fees of P1,500 and if they have arrears they should also pay it to the municipal treasurer’s office before any action will be made,” Dapudong said. Dapudong said remains that have no claimants will be place in one common grave with markings.