Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero plans to create interfaith cemeteries nationwide, which he hopes to institutionalize through a legislation that he will introduce if he wins again a Senate seat in the May Elections.
According to Escudero, the idea is to put all people of faith under one roof in every province and municipality across the country to allow them to bury their loved ones in accordance with their respective customs and traditions, just like in Sorsogon which hosts two interfaith cemeteries located in the towns of Pilar and Casiguran.
“Nais kong maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang inklusibong pagkalinga ng pamahalaan nang walang diskriminasyon at pag-aalintana sa paniniwala at relihiyon.”
“Nais kong maging institusyonal ang pagtatayo ng interfaith cemetery sa mga probinsiya at kabayanan upang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang inklusibong pagkalinga ng pamahalaan nang walang diskriminasyon at pag-aalintana sa paniniwala at relihiyon,” he stressed.
Escudero, a veteran lawmaker, underscored the need for interfaith cemeteries particularly for the indigenous peoples and Muslims communities who strictly observe their funeral rites based on their deep tradition and customs, and religious beliefs.
He cited the case of Islamic faith, which buries the departed ones within 24 hours after they have passed on according to the Quran and traditional funeral rites.
“Madalas kasi puno na ang mga pampublikong sementeryo at kadalasan din ang may puwang na lang ay ang nasa pribado at semeteryong pang-Katoliko. Ngunit kung minsan hindi rin nito daliang natutugunan ang mga pangangailangan at mga rekisitos ng ibang relihiyon at paniniwala,” Escudero lamented.
Under his proposed measure, Escudero said local government units and heads of various religions will have jurisdiction and supervision of these interfaith cemeteries.
“Marapat at dapat lang na magkaroon ng interfaith cemeteries na yayakap at magkakanlong sa lahat ng paniniwala at relihiyon.”
“Ang paglalaan ng tamang himlayan para sa mga mahal sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan ay bahagi rin ng maayos na serbisyo publiko kaya’t marapat at dapat lang na magkaroon ng interfaith cemeteries na yayakap at magkakanlong sa lahat ng paniniwala at relihiyon,” he explained.
A veteran senator for 12 years, Escudero is pushing for stronger role and empowerment of local government units and various sectors of society needing a voice and representation in the Senate.
He also vowed to ensure the judicious and prudent utilization of the annual budget and contribute to the transition of the pandemic-weary economy to recovery, among others.
