MANILA Mayor Maria Sheila “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a multi-purpose building at the Manila North Cemetery.

Mayor Lacuna-Pangan said the new building, which has five rooms, can be used by pauper city residents who are financially incapable of providing a decent wake for their departed loved one. The building will also have a crematorium and columbarium.

“Kadalasan po na nakikita natin ang ating mga kababayan na nangamatay ay nasa kalye lang po nakaburol, namatay nga nga po, hindi pa mabigyan ng maayos na pagbuburulan.. Nakakalungkot po ito, sabi nga natin dito sa Maynila, bagama’t kapos po ang ating mga kababayan, gusto naman po natin na kahit sa kanilang huling hantungan ay may maayos po silang pagbuburulan,” Mayor Lacuna-Pangan said in her speech before the groundbreaking ceremon.

The mayor said the existing crematorium at the Manila North Cemetery which was constructed during the term of former Mayor Joseph Estrada is currently closed because it is already spewing black smoke which is harmful, not only to the public health, but as well as to the environment.

“Napakaluma na po ng ating crematorium facility at hindi na po tama na ito’y gamitin pa natin dahil mayroon na po itong nilalabas na maitim na usok na hindi maganda sa ating kapaligiran kaya nga kami ay nagusap ni Director Castañeda na sana sa mas madaling panahon ay mailagay na po ang ating bagong crematorium,” the mayor said.

Mayor Lacuna-Pangan said Manila North Cemetery Director Roselle “Yayay” Castañeda expressed optimism that the new crematorium will hopefully arrive this month.

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Edd Reyes