Seven families living inside the Burgos Public Cemetery in Bacolod City have been sent notices to vacate, City Administrator Pacifico Maghari said Monday, August 1.
New burials at the overcrowded cemetery have been stopped and a guard has been assigned to prevent theft and illegal activities in its premises.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said they are studying where a new public cemetery can be put up.
A study on how to properly put up a cemetery for long term purposes is needed, he said.
Let’s see the recommendations and proposals for the most convenient and accessible site, Benitez said.
Preparations are also underway for onsite and near city housing for Bacolod residents, he said.
They are looking at available land and negotiating with banks for the takeover of property for onsite housing, he said.
Benitez said he also wants to revisit the Arao Relocation Site plan in Brgy. Vista Alegre, Bacolod City.
Land development and other infrastructure such as water and electricity need to be addressed, he said.
He is also asking the city council to study the putting up of a terminal there so residents at the relocation site will only need one ride, he said.
Highrise housing is also possible at the Arao relocation site, he said.*