Councilor qualifies crematorium backing

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Aldin Diaz will only support the development permit application of a crematorium in Barangay Dumlog if the public, especially those who would be directly affected, is amenable to it.

This was the clarification of Diaz, a former barangay councilman of Dumlog, who gave his approval on the report on the committee on public works and infrastructure endorsing the application of Golden Eye Inc. for the operation of Talisay Santuarium Memorial Park.

In the inspection conducted by the committee, the owner of the crematorium promised to establish road right of way for the safety and passage of the residents, as well as for the area's drainage.

But Diaz said the construction of a crematorium is a serious matter in the area that should be discussed thoroughly.

Diaz, on his motion before the City Council last Tuesday session, asked Dumlog Barangay Captain Nelson Abellana to conduct a public hearing following an inspection and site visit regarding the drainage construction and the provision of the road right of way.

The committee already conducted an inspection and found that various permits have already been secured by the operating firm. The permits include development permit, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board Permit, barangay clearance, sketch plan and an environmental permit among those needed for the construction.

In 2012, there were petitioners who were against the crematorium.  Likewise, the barangay council reportedly opposed the construction, which was the basis of City Councilor Dennis Basillote's objection.

As the 2013 barangay elections ushered a new set of barangay officials, it has also led to the passing and approval of the plan.

It has been close to two years since Golden Eye applied for operation of Talisay Sanctuarium Memorial Park but the application's approval had been deferred because of its proposed location.  (FREEMAN)