Executive Assistant Ret. PBGen Edwin de Ocampo leads the inspection of the Talabaan Cemetery in the east coast, in preparation for the conduct of clearing operations for its full operation soon.

The team likewise checked on the impounding area, located inside the cemetery compound, for its eventual transfer to the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority in San Ramon.

The Talabaan cemetery, phases I and II have a pending permit application with the Department of Health. The clearing of the overgrown grasses, and improvement of facilities are among the requirements for the issuance of the permit.

City Administrator Percival Ramos and Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat the other day convened a meeting of concerned agencies and department head, as the city prepares to make public cemeteries owned and operated by the local government, fully operational.

This is in line with Mayor Khymer Olaso’s instructions to act with dispatch on matters related to the operation of city-owned public cemeteries.

De Ocampo said the area will be spruced up through joint operations to be conducted by the City Administrator’s Office, City Engineer’s Office, General Service Office, Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The clearing operations will include the pruning of overgrown grass, fixing the water system and comfort rooms and organizing the site for safe and efficient cemetery operations. (details and photos: Fatima Jubail/ Jen Casido)