By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The city government recently accredited 10 funeral parlors to provide free funeral services valued at P10,000 to the city’s legitimate residents.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced on Monday that the city had forged an agreement with these funeral parlors, ensuring immediate access to funeral services for eligible residents.
“We have revamped the system for burial services,” Benitez explained. “It now mirrors the workflow of the medical services offered through the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP).”
“We’re broadening our BacCHP to include burial services,” he added.
Benitez said Bacolod residents enrolled in BacCHP and in need of burial services will receive a guarantee letter. This letter can be presented at any accredited funeral parlor to utilize the city’s funeral service package.
“There’s no need to wait for the payout system. This streamlines the process, allowing people quicker access to the services,” he said, emphasizing the system’s efficiency.
Alma Gustilo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), reported that residents have already begun to benefit from the program.
Gustilo said that families of the deceased have the choice between a P7,000 burial cash assistance or the P10,000 funeral services package offered by the city. The latter includes three days of embalming, a coffin, and transport to the selected cemetery.
“Families are free to choose any cemetery, private or public,” Gustilo clarified.
She noted that this accommodates individuals with pre-arranged life plans. Costs beyond what the package covers will be the family’s responsibility.
Non-BacCHP members can approach the city’s liaison officer in hospitals for assistance with applications to access medical and burial services, Gustilo advised. She also mentioned that hotlines would be established, enabling residents to receive support from their local barangays when applying for BacCHP.
Last year, over 2,000 residents availed themselves of the city’s burial services.
