Beautification of Calamba cemetery begins

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government’s beautification and restoration effort of the Calamba cemetery has begun.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama led the groundbreaking ceremony of the said cemetery under Barangay Calamba and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio City Councilor Franklyn Ong and fellow Councilor Joy Pesquera along with Barangay captains Victor Quijano and San Nicolas Proper's Clifford Jude Niñal were also in attendance.

Niñal, in an interview with The Freeman, said he is happy for this and Msgr. Roger Fuentes’ involvement in the restoration of the said cemetery as it holds a precious memory of the past.

The clearing and cleaning of obstructions in the area has already begun so that people can already appreciate the beauty of the said cemetery, especially the chapel inside.

Restoration works for the said chapel are also expected to commence soon.

Rama had been giving importance in the restoration of old cemeteries and converting it into a heritage park  as homage to the Cebuanos’ forefathers while also looking at it as an inspiration to do better for the future.

Apart from that, restoration of old cemeteries here is also anticipated to be an added boost to its economy and tourism efforts.

Clearing and beautifying old public cemeteries is also seen as an effective way to keep the Cebuanos' safe from bad elements and illegal activities after some of the old cemeteries here had turned into a hideout or illegal shelter to some.

With this in mind, Rama is also expecting for more private companies to help out achieve the restoration and beautification efforts of the city government just like the one in Doña Pepang cemetery.