The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental is set to open the first Public Muslim Cemetery in the province in Mati City.
The United Association of Datu and Imam (UNADIM), consisting of leaders from various Muslim tribes, said they are pleased of the Provincial Government’s plan to develop a public cemetery which they have longed for in so many years.
In a dialogue with the Provincial Muslim Cemetery Task Force held at the Provincial Capitol on February 9, 2017, members of the UNADIM, headed by Datu Nestor Vicente, said the project is a concrete solution to their community’s problem on proper burial grounds, allowing them to adhere to their customary burial rites and beliefs.
The dialogue which was facilitated by the Provincial Governor’s Office’s Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang has also successfully reconciled the two parties who have previously disputed over the ownership and management of the cemetery. Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Anacleto Macatabog, who heads the Provincial Muslim Cemetery Task Force, has made it clear that the property which is owned by the provincial government will be managed and developed by the provincial government.
Jointly funded by the Provincial Government and the City Government of Mati, the nine-hectare property located at Barangay Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati will accommodate at least 8,206 burial plots within the 41,376-square meter usable area. Based on the detailed engineering design presented by Engr. Rex Clarabal of the Provincial Engineering Office, the cemetery will feature various facilities such as a morgue, chapel, administration building, roads and alleys.
The dialogue saw the two parties agree to follow the development plan designed by the Provincial Government. Various stakeholders consisting of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the City Health Office have also committed to fast track the submission of requirements for the fast implementation of the development project.
With plans started in 2007, the establishment of the Public Muslim Cemetery was initiated by the former Governor, now first district representative, Cong. Corazon N. Malanyaon and is now being continued by the present administration under the leadership of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang. (Karen Lou Deloso/PIO DavOr)
