A Taguig family experienced nearly three months of delay in cremating their deceased mother’s remains due to payment disputes with a funeral parlor, despite securing partial financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In Taguig City, a family endured an agonizing wait of almost three months to cremate their deceased mother’s remains. Josephine, the daughter of the deceased, shared that although they had raised a total of PHP 95,000 for the cremation expenses, including a PHP 30,000 guarantee letter from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, the funeral parlor refused to proceed without full payment upfront.
The family’s efforts were hindered as the funeral parlor requested the entire payment before commencing cremation procedures. DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao clarified that the AICS program offers two types of support: a guarantee letter, which is a commitment to pay the service provider upon submission of account statements, and direct cash assistance. Dumlao emphasized that services should not be delayed because of financial aid modalities, as payment follows the rendering of services.
The funeral parlor staff explained that the delay was due to awaiting a formal directive. However, the situation was eventually resolved, and the cremation was conducted on October 13, with the urn later released to the family.
This case highlights challenges families may face in funeral service transactions and the importance of clear communication between service providers, beneficiaries, and government agencies to avoid undue distress during times of mourning.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/1007249/daughter-laments-delay-in-cremation-of-mother-s-remains/story/