ILOILO City — Confronted with the dwindling availability of public burial spaces, the Iloilo City Government has earmarked ₱5 million to rehabilitate the Tanza Public Cemetery and construct 200 new apartment-type burial niches, launching what officials described as a long-term expansion of the city’s public cemetery system.
The project addresses one of the city’s growing concerns — the shortage of available niches in public cemeteries — while laying the groundwork for similar rehabilitation projects at the public cemeteries in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro and Barangay Jereos, La Paz.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the initiative forms part of the city government’s “from womb to tomb” program, which seeks to provide comprehensive assistance to Ilonggos from birth until their final journey.
“We want every Ilonggo to know that the Iloilo City Government is here to help. We believe that every person deserves dignity — not only while they are living but also in their final resting place,” the mayor said.
Treñas said the city had already upgraded the quality of free caskets for indigent families last year and is now focusing on improving public cemeteries as demand for affordable burial spaces continues to increase.
“We want to increase the number of niches at the Tanza Public Cemetery because we know that many families are not financially prepared for the final expenses of their loved ones. During one of the most difficult moments in their lives, we want them to know that the Iloilo City Government is their partner. We are preparing these facilities because this administration is committed to taking care of every Ilonggo,” she said.
The first phase of the rehabilitation includes the construction of 200 apartment-type niches designed to maximize limited cemetery space while creating a cleaner, safer and more organized layout.
The project will also involve the exhumation of remains from identified areas and the demolition of old, dilapidated and structurally unsafe cemetery structures, which will be replaced with modern apartment-type niche buildings to improve safety and accessibility for visiting families.
Treñas emphasized that the project goes beyond infrastructure development.
“This is about giving every Ilonggo family peace of mind during a very painful time. We want to provide a cemetery that is orderly, safe, and respectful of the memory of those who have passed away. We owe that to our people,”” she said.
She added that the cemetery rehabilitation program is part of the city’s broader effort to strengthen social protection services, particularly for vulnerable and low-income families struggling with burial expenses./PN
