The Department of Social Welfare and Development has urged government agencies, civil society organizations and all interested parties to provide comments on the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12309, otherwise known as the Free Funeral Service Act, as it prepares for the full implementation of the new law.

DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said comments from other agencies will ensure that the guidelines and implementation will be responsive and inclusive.

“Ang sinuman pong interesado ay maaring magpadala ng comments or suggestions sa DSWD. Sa ganitong paraan ay magkakaroon ang DSWD ng iba’t-ibang lente sa pagbubuo at pag-finalize ng ating IRR,”said Dumlaon on Wednesday (Feb. 25).

Pursuant to RA 12309, free funeral services will be provided to families who are in crisis situation, as determined by the DSWD, including indigent families or those affected by calamities, disasters and other emergency circumstances that prevent them from affording dignified funeral services for a deceased person.

Under the proposed IRR the DSWD will lead the implementaiton of the law, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, as the primary agency for business registration and consumer protection, the Department of Interior and Local Government which exercises supervision over local government units and the Department of Health as principal authority on health and sanitation,.

“Gusto po natin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipatupad na natinang Free Funeral Service Act para maibsan ang pangamba ng mga kababayan natin na nakararanas ng pagkawala ng miyembro ng kannilang pamily kung kaya’t nais natin na mabuo n ang ma-finalize na ang IRR,” said Dumlao.

The proposed IRR may be access through https://bit.ly/4rZK5IM.