Poor families can expect some relief after the Senate approved a free funeral services bill on June 2. Called the Free Funeral Services Act or Senate Bill No. 2965, it aims to help families who do not have enough money during their time of grief.
Under the proposal, basic funeral services such as embalming, casket, cremation, inurnment, transportation, and even burial space will be free. All of these will be provided under the so-called “Indigent Funeral Package.”
Families covered by the program are those below the poverty line, as determined by NEDA. victims of calamities or sudden disasters are also covered, provided that DSWD determines that they are unable to afford a decent burial.
Qualified families may avail themselves of any funeral establishment in the country as long as it is accredited and follows the uniform indigent funeral package.
This measure aims to reduce the cost of bereavement, and ensure that every farewell—regardless of state in life—is dignified.
