Rodriguez pushes burial aid program for Indigent PWDs

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez, chair of the committee on social services, proposed a local measure providing mortuary assistance for registered Indigent Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the city.

During the 29th Regular Session of the 21st City Council, Rodriguez cited Republic Act No. 12309, also known as the Free Funeral Services Act, which aims to provide free funeral services to indigent families who cannot afford a proper burial for their deceased relatives.

The law, which lapsed into effect on September 20, 2025, is not yet fully operational, as consultations are ongoing to determine partner funeral parlors and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is still being finalized.

Under the said Act, qualified claimants must submit a valid ID of the claimant, the death certificate of the deceased, a funeral contract signed by the claimant, the funeral parlor, and authorized DSWD personnel, and a social case study report prepared by a registered social worker.

Once approved by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office, the program will cover expenses such as embalming, interment, transportation of remains, and cremation services.

Rodriguez’s proposed ordinance, to be implemented by the Cagayan de Oro City Government with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) as the lead office, is currently being drafted in partnership with PDAO to strengthen social protection programs for vulnerable sectors in the city. (JDO/SP)