Benguet: The belief of Benguet province's residents that their departed loved ones continue to provide guidance and safety to the family members lives on to this day. Many of the townsfolk thus still bury the dead on their property as part of their culture, and for practicality as well, as this entails no extra cost.
According to Philippines News Agency, Atok town Mayor Franklin Smith explained the deep-rooted tradition of burying family members close to home. "We grew up with the custom of having close family ties that is why we bury our dead close to where we live. This will allow us family members to mourn the death and cope with the loss by seeing the tomb still very close to us," he said. Atok and Kabayan are the only two towns in Benguet that have yet to establish a public cemetery.
The municipality's Comprehensive Land Use Plan requires the identification of land for public cemeteries for those who prefer it as the final resting place for their loved ones. Despite the longstanding tradition, the local government unit (LGU) is considering the establishment of public cemeteries. Three potential areas have been identified in Barangays Poblacion, Naguey, and Pasong, although community consultations are still pending.
Mayor Smith noted that the introduction of public cemeteries is progressing slowly due to the novelty of the concept and the community's lack of interest. In contrast, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Cordillera director, Roland Calde, highlighted that the practice of burying the dead at home dates back generations, largely due to the absence of cemeteries.
Lorna Tumilang, a teacher and a full-blooded Kankanaey from Buguias, Benguet, shared her personal experience of the tradition. Her grandfather, a native priest, was buried in the family compound yard to continue taking care of his family. Lorna's aunt, whose remains were returned from the United Kingdom, was interred in the basement of her house, emphasizing the belief that the deceased continue to reside and care for their home.
Meanwhile, Maj. Edwin Sergio, information officer of the Benguet Police Provincial Office, stated that All Saints' and All Souls' Days are observed peacefully in the province, especially in Atok and Kabayan, where the tradition is most prevalent. However, other parts of the province have modernized, with 32 public cemeteries and 33 memorial parks and columbariums available, particularly in La Trinidad.
