The Makati City government on Friday announced it will begin next month the construction work on the public columbarium at the old site of the city’s Catholic Cemetery.
The columbarium, according to Mayor Abigail Binay, will offer free cremation and inurnment services to city residents.
She said the new project is intended to relieve the bereaved family of the burden of costly funeral expenses and, at the same time, provide an innovative solution to the shortage of interment space in Makati.
“Through this project, the bereaved family of Makatizens need not worry anymore about expensive funeral services, and we will adequately address the need for more burial space within the city,” Binay said.
“By offering free cremation and inurnment services at the Columbarium, we will ensure that all Makatizens, regardless of economic stature, will have a dignified burial,” she added.
The city chief executive assured residents that the facility will have people-friendly and environment-friendly features which promote safety, convenience and sustainability.
According to the site development plan from the city engineering department, the columbarium will initially consist of two buildings that will house a chapel, viewing areas, cremation area, and 14,784 urn vaults.
The facility will occupy the 4,000-square meter property along Kalayaan Avenue where the municipal cemetery used to be.
Earlier, the city government has published notices to families of those still buried in the cemetery to coordinate with the Makati Health Department (MHD) for the transfer of the remains of their loved ones.
They may call MHD at telephone number: 8870-1609 or 8870-1610, Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm.