REDEVELOPMENT OF BARANGAY INAGAWAN CEMENTERY

“PROPOSED PARK CEMETERY”

A Feasibility Study presented to

AR. ARGIE T. TENORIO, Architectural Design 6 Instructor

In partial fulfillment of the requirements

For the Major Plate in Architectural Design 6 Subject

By: Simon Keith Quicho

Stephen Mark Dalisay
Khea Micole Mae Fernando
John Alvin Abog

February 2020
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter comprises the background of the study, statement of the problem, scope and limitation of the

study, assumptions, objectives of the study, and significance of the study.

The dictionary defines death as the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living

organism. Phenomena which commonly bring about death include aging, predation, malnutrition, disease, suicide,

homicide, starvation, dehydration, and accidents or major trauma resulting in terminal injury.

“All that live must die passing through nature to eternity” (William Shakespeare)

Death is part of everyone’s life. It is an appointed time with the Creator, the giver of life. It is universal to

all cultures. The grieving process as part of the acceptance of death of a loved-one is unique to every individual.

Death in the Philippines is a major event in the life of every Filipino family, a significant part of the Filipino

culture. Because Filipino families have different views and beliefs on death and life after death there exist various

traditions, customs and practices when a member of a family dies. This is seen from embalmment, wake, funeral,

and burial of the dead.

Cemeteries for centuries play a vital role in communities. It is not only a place for the dead but also a place

for the living to visit and remember their loved-ones.

When a person dies, his/her friends and loved-ones visit to pay respect. Mourning and grieving of the family

members and friends lasts on different lengths. Throughout the year, they visit the grave and offer flowers and

prayers to remember and honor the dead. In the healing process, cemeteries are important tools.

All Saints Day or Undas in the Philippines are celebrated from October 31 to November 2 by majority of the

Filipinos. The graves are cleaned up and repainted before the celebration. Family members, relatives and friends

visit the graves of their departed loved-ones bringing flowers, lighted candles and feast on the food, all done to

honor and remember the dead. Masses are held and prayers are recited for the dead to reach their eternal

destination in peace. The cemetery that is in solitude in most days become filled with merry people.

Cemeteries become populated as the years pass by. Space problems arise due to increasing number of

deaths each year and because of individual burial practices.

Crude death rate in the Philippines in 1950 was 14 deaths for every 1,000 Filipinos and has decreased to 6

deaths for every 1,000 Filipinos in year 2000. This number has stayed for almost two decades except in years 2008
until 2015 when deaths reached 5. The current crude death of Philippines in 2020 is 5.968 deaths for every 1,000

Filipinos. Below is the Philippine’s Actual Population and Number of Deaths for years 1950, 2020 (Philippine Statistics

Authority, 2019) and UN projections for 2100:

Year Population in Millions Crude Death Rate Number of Deaths

1950 18.6 14.184 263,822
2020 109.5 5.968 653,980
2100 146.3 12.382 1,811,826

In Puerto Princesa City, crude death rate in 2019 is higher than Philippine’s crude death rate of 5.968

The table above shows the actual deaths from 2016 to 2019 in Puerto Princesa City:

YEAR CRUDE DEATH RATE Number of Deaths Ave. Daily

2016 4.23 1,146 3.1
2017 4.88 1,328 3.6
2018 6.37 1,722 4.7
2019 6.90 1,905 5.2

The table above shows the actual deaths from 2016 to 2018 in Barangay Inagawan of Puerto Princesa City:

YEAR Total Births Total Deaths

2016 117 11
2017 260 24
2018 173 20

Inagawan is a rural barangay in the city of Puerto Princesa City founded in 1872 and situated more than 50

kilometers away from the city proper. Its population as determined by the 2015 Census was 1,623. This represented

0.64% of the total population of Puerto Princesa (PhilAtlas, 2015). The barangay has one cemetery that served as

public cemetery for nearby barangays.

Upon verification with the City Zoning Office, the land is classified as agricultural land and has no approved

development plan. Based on interview with the Barangay Captain, the land is partly owned by the government and

partly donated by private individual. It has a total land area of 31,388 square meters of which only 796 square meters

are utilized as cemetery. There is no lot plan, no available records of burials, and the designated barangay official

assigns the burial plot.

During the ocular observation by the proponents of this study, there are no road networks. Around 1,500

tombs are estimated to be in the place and the cemetery is observed to be overpopulated and unsanitary. Passage

in between tombs are not possible. Aside from the existing one square meter toilet and old style water pump, there

are no other facilities in the cemetery. Garbage are also seen everywhere.

Based on current death rate, the total land area of the Inagawan Cemetery can accommodate future deaths

until year 2100. And it has sufficient space for conversion from a Barangay Cemetery into a Park Cemetery.
1.2 Problem Setting

1.2.1 Statement of the Problem

The existing Barangay Cemetery in Inagawan needs a total re-development to qualify as a Park

Cemetery. It is void of required facilities and amenities and unsanitary. It has legal issues that require

attention and solution.

The existing conditions and facilties of Barangay Cemetery in Inagawan

1.2.1.1 Re-development Plan

The existing Barangay Cemetery has no approved Development Plan. The proposed Park

Cemetery will require the approval of the following:

 Site Development Plan

 Vicinity Map

 Location Map

 Topo Plan

 Zoning Certification

 Environmental Compliance Certificate

 DAR clearance for conversion from Agriland

 TCT and Survey Plan

 Cemetery Plan

 Engineering Plan

 Storm Drainage and Sewer System

 Site grading plan

 Electrical Plan

 Landscaping Plan

 Project Study

 Permits from National Water Resources Board

 Clearance from Department of Health

 Environmental Clearance Certificate

 Perimeter Fence

1.2.1.2 Lacking facilities as per HLURB standards

The existing Barangay Cemetery has no acceptable facilities. The re-development of the

Cemetery also requires the inclusion of the following facilities in accordance with the standards

of HLURB:

 Admin Office

 Restroom for male and female, PWD

 Parking Area
 1.2.1.3 Lacking service utilities as per HLURB standards

The existing Barangay Cemetery has no service utilities. The re-development of Inagawan

Cemetery requires the inclusion of the following in accordance with the standards of HLURB:

 Water system

 Electrical and power supply

 Sewer system

 Solid waste management

 Vermin control

1.2.1.4 Lacking amenities for the comfort and enjoyment of the family of the deceased

The existing Barangay Cemetery has no amenities. The re-development of Inagawan

Cemetery will include the following amenities:

 Chapel

 Covered pathways

1.2.1.5 Absence of a Barangay Ordinance prescribing the fees, charges, guidelines,

implementing Rules and Regulations for services rendered by the Barangay Cemetery relative

to the disposal of the dead in Barangay Inagawan

The existing Barangay Cemetery has no existing ordinance. The re-development of

Inagawan Cemetery require the creation of such Barangay Ordinance.

1.2.2 Scope and Delimitations of the Study

 The identified existing cemetery is located at Barangay Inagawan, Puerto Princesa City

 The aim of this study is to propose a design of a Park Cemetery for the residents of Barangay

Inagawan with a healing landscape for the bereaved families of all faith and beliefs, taking into

consideration their burial traditions, customs and practices

 It will focus on the facilities and amenities that will help in the healing process of the bereaved

families.

 The study does not concern with the details and approval of the re-development plan with

concerned government agencies and other legal issues related to the land and project.
1.2.3 Objectives of the Study

1.2.3.1 Project Objectives

1.2.3.1.1 General Project Objectives

 To study the conversion of the existing Barangay Cemetery into a Park Cemetery that

has a healing landscape for the bereaved families which will allow them to bury their

dead in accordance to their traditions, customs and practices regardless of their faith

and beliefs

 To study the existing multi-cultural and inter-faith beliefs of the residents of Barangay

Inagawan and consider them in the design process

 To understand the griefs of bereaved families and to allow healing process inside the

Park Cemetery through a therapeutic environment

1.2.3.1.2 Specific Project Objectives

 To study the efficient use of the land introducing natural burials and pod burials

 To study the integration of Sustainable Design Principles in architecture to arrive to an

environment friendly, less energy, less water and less materials Park Cemetery

 To design a multicultural and inter-faith healing landscape for the residents of Barangay

Inagawan

1.2.3.2 Architectural Objectives

1.2.3.2.1 General Architectural Objectives

 To create a natural healing landscape design that will make use of natural settings and

features of the site, using native plants for burial plot sites and memorials, using the sound

of flowing water to help in the healing process of the bereaved families

 To integrate the existing vegetation in natural and pod burials

1.2.3.2.2 Specific Architectural Objectives

 To create facilities and amenities using natural light, ventilation and solar energy
1.2.5 Assumptions

The Proposed Park Cemetery in Barangay Inagawan can accommodate the projected increase in

number of deaths based on current trends until the year 2100. And it will provide a natural healing

landscape fit to the burial traditions, customs, beliefs and practices of the residents of Barangay Inagawan

of all cultures and faith.

The new park cemetery will be the solution to the non-compliance with standards of the existing

barangay cemetery.

1.2.6 Significance of the Study

 To the primary users, the proposed Park Cemetery showcase a decent final resting place

 To the bereaved family, the proposed Park Cemetery showcase an acceptable place to grieve and

heal while communing with nature

 To the community, the proposed Park Cemetery is an improvement of the existing situation of the

barangay cemetery

 To the architectural profession. This study helps to understand the grieving process of bereaved

families and how park cemeteries with a natural landscape helps in the grieving and healing

process. Likewise, it helps in incorporating into the design the multicultural and inter faiths of the

residents of a community.
 CHAPTER 2
THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Review of Related Literature and Studies

2.1.1 Foreign Literature

2.1.1.1 Burial Pods

There are other ways to handle your body after you die, there are more options rather

than just a coffin or cremation. The death industry has expanded considerably over the last decade

and provides many other options, many of which are eco-friendly choices. There are two different

varieties of burial pods: a tiny pod containing cremated remains, and a bigger pod carrying a fetal

corpse. Once the remains are inside the capsule, they are planted like seed into the Earth. Then a

tree is planted above the pod which is selected by the deceased before they die. The family of the

deceased takes care for the tree as a memorial to their love. (A Burial Pod That Safely Decomposes

Bodies Beneath Trees, Curiosity Staff)

Presently to make a coffin, a tree must be cut down. To limit the environmental impact

of burials, pod burials are recommended. The coffin has a short life cycle, and has a strong impact

on the environment. It takes a tree between 10 and 40 years to reach maturity, and the coffin is

only available for three days.

Process of Pod Burial

Image Source: http://earthporm.com/bye-bye-coffins-these-organic-burial-pods-turn-your-
loved-ones-into-trees/

It seems rather impractical to buy a fancy, overpriced coffin after being presented with

this burial choice. A graveyard full of headstones is much more depressing than a magnificent

memory forest full of lush trees.

 This method is much better for the environment. We would be growing more trees, rather

than cutting down trees to make wood coffins. The pod is made of all materials that are renewable

and biodegradable, including plastic starch and seasonal plants such as potatoes and corn.

2.1.2 Local Literature

2.1.2.1 Filipino Culture in Cemeteries

Cemeteries, contrary to parks and shopping malls, are the least-visited places. Not until

the 1st of November, when All Saints is held annually, are cemeteries completely crowded with

families visiting their departed loved ones. Contrary to common belief that cemeteries are mere

final resting places for those who have passed away, cemeteries are also historic sites and silent

historical witnesses, and can be sources of historical information regarding significant events that

occurred in a particular community. (CEMETERIES OF MEMORIES WHERE JOURNEY TO ETERNITY

BEGINS, Quennie Ann J. Palafox)

Image Source: https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/06/01/world/01manila-cemetery-

2/01manila-cemetery-2-superJumbo.jpg

Religion in the Philippines

81% of the population of the Philippines is Catholic, according to the Pew

Research Center. Many Filipinos therefore believe in an afterlife and observe the custom

of Catholic burial, including a Catholic mass with hymns and prayers. Some other religious

groups in the Philippines also have their own funeral rituals.

Wake Period

Typically preceding a funeral in Filipino is a wake-up period that lasts three to

seven days anywhere. This way, members of the family who live far off have time to
arrive. In the wake period the immediate family members usually do not work. During the

wake period the deceased is generally displayed in a casket at home. The casket may be

surrounded by decorations such as flowers, lights, mementos, and a record book.

Grieving loved ones come to offer their condolences, and sometimes monetary

gifts as a sign of family respect. Family members may take turns to stay awake during the

night so for the all-night vigils, someone is always awake. There are conversations,

singing, playing guitar, having food and drinks, and going on card games to keep everyone

awake.

Filipino Funeral Service

One hearse takes the casket to the church in a funeral procession on the day of

a Filipino funeral. A hearse takes the casket to the cemetery for burial after the funeral

service and mass have been concluded. The mourners say prayers like the rosary for nine

days after the burial, also known as a novena.

The family gathers for a funeral meal after the novena, to celebrate the life of

the deceased. The period of mourning typically lasts at least six weeks following the death

of the deceased. Often, Mourners wear a black pin or black clothing to show that they are

in mourning.

All Souls’ Day

2nd November in the Philippines is All Souls ' Day and a day to pay respects to

the dead. All Souls ' Day is different from November 1st All Saints ' Day, which pays tribute

to the saints. Family members clean and decorate graves of their loved ones during this

time. On October 31st or November 1st some families may also visit the graves.

(CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT: FILIPINO FUNERAL TRADITIONS, Jenny Goldade)

 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGIES

3.1 Data Gathering

3.1.1 Sources of Data

3.1.1.1 Internet-Based Research

1. Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

http://www.hlurb.gov.ph/

2. Philippine Statistics Authority

http://www.psa.gov.ph/

3. World Population Review

http://www.worldpopulationreview.com/

3.1.1.2 Archival Research

1. City Planning and Development Office

New Green City Hall Building, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City

a. Zoning Map, Topographic Map, Soil Map, Landslide Map, Flood Map, Slope

Map, Rivers Map, Storm Surge and Tsunami Map

b. Certified True Copy

c. Technical Description of Lots

2. City Assessor’s Office

New Green City Hall Building, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City

a. Tax Map

3. City Health Office

Old City Hall Building, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City

a. Number of deaths monthly or yearly in every barangay within the city;

b. Mortality rate per barangay in the city;

c. Morbidity rate per barangay in the city;

d. Other related information with regards to the morbidity and mortality rate

of the city
 4. Office of the Barangay Captain

Barangay Inagawan, Puerto Princesa City

a. Proof of No Records

3.1.2 Procedure

3.1.2.1 Personal Interview

1. Ariel Lacao

Ex – Barangay Captain – 18 years

Barangay Inagawan

Barangay Kamuning, Puerto Princesa City

2. Hilda C. Socrates

AP President, Our Lady of Mt. Carmen

Barangay Inagawan, Puerto Princesa City

3. Leona Carlos

First Kagawad

Barangay Inagawan, Puerto Princesa City

3.1.2.2 Ocular Observation

1. Barangay Inagawan Cemetery

Bgy. Inagawan, Puerto Princesa City

3.2 Building Laws/Legal Requirements

Presidential Decree No. 856 - Code on Sanitation

Sec. 90. Burial Grounds Requirements – The following requirements shall be applied and enforced:

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to bury remains in places other than those legally authorized in

conformity with the provisions of this Chapter.

B. A burial ground shall at least be 25 meters distant from any dwelling house and no house shall be

constructed with in the same distance from any burial ground.

C. No burial ground shall be located within 50 meters from either side of a river or within 50 meters from any

source of water supply.

Sec. 91. Burial Requirements. – The burial of remains is subject to the following requirements:

A. No remains shall be buried without a death certificate. This certificate shall be issued by the attending

physician. If there has been no physician in attendance, it shall be issued by the mayor, the secretary of the

municipal board, or a councilor of the municipality where the death occured. The death certificate shall be

forwarded to the local civil register within 48 hours after death.

B. Shipment of remains abroad shall governed by the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Quarantine.

C. Graves where remains are buried shall be at least one and one-half meters deep and filed well and firmly.

D. The cost of burial of a dead person shall be borne by the nearest skin. If the kin is not financially capable of

defraying the expenses or if the deceased had no kin, the cost shall be borne by the city or municipal

government.

E. The burial of remains in city or municipal burial grounds shall not be prohibited on account of race,

nationality, regional or political persuasion.

F. If the person who issues a death certificate has reasons to believe or suspect that the cause of death was

due to violence or crime, he shall notify immediately the local authorities concerned. In this case the

deceased shall not be buried until a permission is obtained from the provincial or city fiscal. If these officials

are not available, the permission shall be obtained from any government official authorized by law.

G. Except when required by legal investigation or when permitted by the local health authority, no

unembalmed remains shall unburied longer than 48 hours after death.

H. When the coast of death is a dangerous communicable disease, the remain shall be buried within 12 hours

after death. They shall not be taken to any place of public assembly. Only the adult members of the family

of the deceased may be permitted to attend the funeral.

SEC. 92. Disinterment Requirements – Disinterment of remains is subject to the following requirements:

A. Permission to disinter remains of persons who died of non-dangerous communicable diseases may be

granted after a burial period of three years.

B. Permission to disinter remains of person who died of dangerous communicable diseases may be granted

after a burial period of five years.

C. Disinterment of remains covered in paragraphs "a" and "b" of this Section may be permitted within a

shorter time than that prescribed in special cases, subject to the approval of the Regional Director

concerned of his duly authorized representative.

D. In all cases of disinterment, the remains shall be disinfected and places in a durable and sealed container

prior to their final disposal.

SEC. 93. Funeral and Embalming Establishments – These establishments are subject to the following requirements:

A. Scope of inclusion – For the purposes of this Section, requirements prescribed herein shall be applied and

enforced to funeral chapels, embalming establishments and morgues.

B. Sanitary permit – No establishment mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be operated without a

sanitary permit issued by the Secretary or his duly authorized representative. This permit shall be revoked

in case of any violation of the provision of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated by the

Secretary.

C. Classification – Funeral establishment shall be classified in three (3) categories which are described as

follows:

1. Category I –Establishments with chapel, and embalming facilities and offering funeral services.

2. Category II – Establishments with chapels and offering funeral services but without embalming

facilities.

3. Category III – Establishments offering only funeral services from the house of the deceased to the

burial ground.

D. Sanitary requirements for funeral chapels- the requirements prescribed for places of public assembly in this

Code shall be applied.

For Embalming and Dressing Rooms:

1. They should be constructed of concrete or semi-concrete materials with sufficient space

to accommodate five bodies at one time.

2. The floors and walls shall be made of concrete or other durable impervious materials.

3. Ventilation and lighting should be adequately provided.

4. Embalming shall be performed on a table made of a single marble slab or other equally

impervious materials. It shall be so constructed that all washings and body fluids shall flow

to a drain connected to the waste piping system of the building.

5. Embalming and assistants shall use rubber gloves when working.

6. Washing facilities with soaps, detergents and germicidal solutions shall be provided for

use of the working personnel.

Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board – Rules and Regulations for Memorial Parks/Cemeteries

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES FOR CEMETERIES AND MEMORIAL PARKS

A. A chapel with a floor area of at least 50.00 sq. meters shall be constructed at a convenient location within

the cemetery where funeral ceremonies may be held, and incidentally serve as haven for funeral

participants against sun and rain.

B. Wake chaplets with a minimum area of 50.00 sq. meters for thirty (30) persons and at least 1.60 sq. meters

for each additional person may be provided.

C. Administrative Office – a 64.00 sq. meters lot shall be allocated for an administration building office for

memorial parks with an area of above one (1) hectare.

D. Electrical Power Supply – Distances of lampposts for street lighting shall be placed at a maximum of 100.00

meters or as prescribed by the power firm servicing the area. Utility poles shall be installed along sides of

streets and pathways.

E. Parking Area – Parking area equivalent to a minimum of five 5% of the gross area of memorial

park/cemetery shall be provided over and above the required parking area/facility for any structures to be

constructed within the premises of the memorial park/cemetery.

F. Comfort Rooms – Adequate and clean comfort rooms with facilities for disabled persons shall be provided

in properly located areas.

I. Communal Comfort Rooms

1. Male Comfort Rooms

No. of Males Water Closet Urinal Lavatory

50 – 100 2 1 2

For each additional

1 1 1
100 persons
Source: DOH Standards

2. Female Comfort Rooms

No. of Males Water Closet Lavatory

Below 30 1 1

30 – 100 2 2

For each additional

1
50 females

For each additional

1
100 females
Source: DOH Standards
3. Personnel

Water Closet Lavatory

No. of Males Male Urinal
Male Female Male Female

Below 30 1 1 1 1 -

30 – 49 1 2 2 2 1

50 – 99 2 2 3 3 2

For each additional

1 1 1 1 1
50 personnel
Source: DOH Standards

4. Comfort Room Space Requirement

Unit Square Meters/Unit Square Feet/Unit

Toilets 1.50 10

Lavatories 1.11 12

Urinals 1.11 12

 Minimum height if toilet ceiling: 2.50 meters

 Lighting: not less than 10 foot-candle (107.6 lux)

 Natural ventilation: window space shall be at least 25% floor area of toilet room

 Mechanical ventilation: use of exhaust fan