The government’s Free Funeral Service Act is moving closer to full implementation, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) now gathering public and inter-agency input on the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the consultation process is a key step toward fast-tracking the law’s rollout, while ensuring the final guidelines are responsive, inclusive, and practical for families in need.
“Gusto po natin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipatupad na natin ang Free Funeral Service Act para maibsan ang pangamba ng mga kababayan natin na nakararanas ng pagkawala ng miyembro ng kanilang pamilya kung kaya’t nais natin na mabuo na ang IRR,” Dumlao said in a statement on Wednesday.
She added that government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions to help the DSWD refine and finalize the IRR.
“Ang sinuman pong interesado ay maaaring magpadala ng comments o suggestions sa DSWD. Sa ganitong paraan ay magkakaroon ang DSWD ng iba’t ibang lente sa pagbubuo at pag-finalize ng ating IRR,” she said.
Under Republic Act No. 12309, or the Free Funeral Service Act, free funeral services will be extended to families in crisis situations, as determined by the DSWD. This includes indigent families and those affected by calamities, disasters, or other emergency conditions that make it difficult to afford dignified funeral services.
The proposed IRR designates the DSWD as the lead implementing agency, working in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for business registration and consumer protection, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for LGU supervision, and the Department of Health (DOH) on health and sanitation matters.
Under the law, the DSWD is mandated to lead the drafting of the IRR, which will set the operational guidelines for nationwide implementation.
