P49M allotted for Manila’s first Muslim cemetery

MANILA, Philippines — About P49.3-million was allotted for the development of Manila’s first Muslim cemetery, which will be established at the Manila South Cemetery.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday signed Ordinance No. 8608 which allots the amount for the cemetery’s construction.

Covering about 2,400 square meters of land, the Manila Muslim Cemetery set to be built this year will be exclusive for the interment and transfer of the remains of Manila’s deceased Muslim residents.

“It is hereby declared the policy of the City Government of Manila to confer recognition to the Muslim community in Manila with their inherent cultural attributes and customary traditions, especially in terms of caring for the remains of their departed, by defining a burial ground in the South Cemetery and a special body intended to manage it,” the ordinance read.

Its operations will be supervised by the Manila Health Department.

According to Moreno, the signing of the ordinance was meant to recognize the cultural attributes and customary traditions of Manila’s Muslim community.

Moreno first bared his plan to construct a cemetery for Muslim residents of the capital city last year during his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the country, Dr. Abdullah Al Bussairy.

EDV