THE FIRST phase of the 2.3-hectare lot Tagakpan Public Cemetery was reopened on Friday, May 31, after closing in 2021.
Executive Order No. 07-21 ordered the closure of the Tagakpan Public Cemetery for burials in preparation for its development and modernization.
Maximo Macalipes, City Economic Enterprises chief, told TIMES in a phone interview the cemetery is now open for anyone who wishes to lay the remains of their loved ones.
“Those who are interested in availing the services may visit the administrative office in Tagakpan to be guided with the process,” Macalipes said.
He added the public may also opt to visit the office in Wireless Public Cemetery given the distance of the newly rehabilitated cemetery.
Tagakpan cemetery has 564 available units of compartmentalized niches, 560 ossuary units, and 174 mass grave niches.
Macalipes said it also has two separate administrative buildings for Muslims and Christians with separate comfort rooms and a guard house to maintain security. Included in the Muslim cemetery is an open space for a Muslim burial.
Macalipes said the prices for the compartmentalized niches range from P6,160 to P8,800 with a six-year renewable contract. Meanwhile, ossuary niches, which can be used for bones, urns, and newborn babies cost P220 per set of bones, renewable every year.
The first phase includes fence concreting, road concreting, and concrete-lined canals. An additional number of niches, a columbarium with a chapel, a perimeter fence, and entrance/exit gates will be added to the rehab’s 2nd phase.
“We are still finalizing the design and inclusions for the phase 2. Wala pay timeline as it has to be approved by the Cemetery Board,” Macalipes added they are yet to present the final phase 2 plan to the Board.
A total of P85 million is earmarked for Tagakpan cemetery renovation, as the second cemetery to be rehabilitated next to the Wireless Public Cemetery.
