Manila breaks ground for first Muslim cemetery
The first Muslim cemetery in the city of Manila will soon rise inside the Manila South Cemetery.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Manila Muslim Cemetery on Wednesday.
It will serve as an exclusive ground for the interment and transfer of remains of Muslims who are residents of the city.
Domagoso said the city will hire people who are knowledgeable in Muslim customs and beliefs to handle the remains.
A Cultural Hall for Muslims will also be constructed.
The P49.3-million project will cover 2,400 square meters of land at the Manila South Cemetery located near Makati.
Although Muslims have made significant contributions to Manila, even during pre-colonial times, Domagoso said they have been facing "a certain level of neglect" due to the absence of proper burial grounds.
“Muslims brought greatness to us even before the Spaniards reached our shores," he said in a statement. "There is a need to give due recognition to the Muslims in the development of our city as it was them who founded and made great the Kingdom of Maynila before the Spanish conquest."
“Our Muslim brothers and sisters have been suffering in the Land of the Rajahs because they do not have a place where to rest their departed in accordance to their beliefs and tradition,” he added.
Citing custom, the Manila mayor said Muslims must bury their loved ones within 24 hours after the time of their death.
But because they have no burial grounds in Manila, residents had to transport the remains of their loved ones either to Taguig, Bulacan, or even Mindanao.
"This is our own little way of making a space for our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community. And it's long overdue, it's been 500 years of certain level of neglect and denial," Domagoso said in his speech.
"Ngayon, ipaparamdam namin sainyo (Now, we will make you feel) that you are recognized and are part of the community and the city of Manila," he added.
In March this year prior to the lockdown, Manila passed an ordinance (8608) allotting 2,400 square meters (26,000 sq ft) within the Manila South Cemetery to build the Manila Muslim Cemetery and appropriated P50 million for its construction.