By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Batac City—Saying that these are the people’s demand here, Batac councilor Bernardo K. Marders proposed the establishment of a new cemetery with crematory facilities, and housing subdivision here.
As such, two draft ordinances intended for both the living and dead were presented for first reading during the council’s regular session.
Mr. Marders, committee on labor, employment and civil services, disclosed that the current Batac cemetery is already congested and needs an expansion; or the city government can build a new cemetery,
He also divulged that, at present, only a privately owned cemetery has free spaces. Other cemeteries here, he added, are either full or close to full capacity.
He said his proposal would forestall whatever problems that may arise in the future regarding this issue.
In his proposal, Mr. Marders requested that the cemetery be built along the national highway, preferably also with crematory facilities.
He stressed that should this push through, Batac will become the first local government unit to operate a crematory facility.
He added that he is hopeful the city government’s executive department would consider this so an allocation will be tackled during the next budget hearing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Marders also proposed the establishment of city housing subdivision for Batac residents.
According to him, there is a present boundary dispute between the city of Batac and the municipality of Pinili particularly along Barangay Pimentel here.
Mr. Marders expressed hopes that Batac would be favored in this dispute. He said the area being disputed can become the location for the city-owned subdivision.
He stressed that this would give locals here the opportunity to build and own houses in the future.
However, he added that both his proposals would still be tackled by the council and with Batac mayor Albert D. Chua.
Mayor reacts to proposal
Batac mayor Albert D. Chua welcomed Mr. Marders’ proposal. He added that he is ready to support this since he can also foresee congestion problems at the current cemetery in the future.
The mayor, however, said this should still be studied more thoroughly. He said the city’s death rate should be considered. They also need to inquire about the necessary permits and prerequisites from concerned government agencies for this plan.
He admitted though that this project has already crossed his mind when he became a mayor. He also said he also thought of a crematorium in this city.
He further stressed that in his belief, a crematorium can only be maintained in highly urbanized cities; which he said have very large population. Compared to Batac, he said those cities may have space problems. This, he pointed out, is contrary to Batac’s situation which still has vast tract of lands.
He however said he will consider the crematorium proposal provided the necessary plans, requirements and study regarding its maintenance is available. He also said this would be dependent on the fund needed, too.