Cuenco: Hasten approval of city-run crematorium

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco wants to fast track the passage of the proposed ordinance establishing a crematorium and cremation unit in Cebu City.

In Cuenco’s proposed measure, the crematorium will be established at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) on Natalio Bacalso Avenue. 

But based on initial consultations, the original site plan was not getting positive feedback due to safety concerns.

Cuenco said he found a more feasible site for a crematorium beside the city scholars building, which is just a stone’s throw away from CCMC.

The proposal though still needs to undergo another public hearing.

The proposed ordinance states that the city crematorium shall be established at least 100 meters away from residential areas.

Cuenco’s proposal was presented before the council last year and was referred to the City Council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling, Committee on Health, and Committee on Environment for review.

At present, private crematoriums are already overwhelmed by the number of cadavers.

In fact, two biggest funeral parlors here have stopped accepting cadavers for cremation as COVID-19 deaths in Cebu continue to pile up. — KQD  (FREEMAN)