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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD seeks public input ahead of Free Funeral Service Act rollout

DSWD seeks public input ahead of Free Funeral Service Act rollout

Published Feb 25, 2026 02:22 pm
Photo from Unsplash
Photo from Unsplash
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has opened consultations for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12309, or the Free Funeral Service Act, as the agency prepares for the law’s full nationwide rollout.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao on Wednesday, Feb. 25 urged government agencies, civil society organizations, and the public to submit comments and recommendations to help finalize the guidelines governing the program’s implementation.
“Ang sinuman pong interesado ay maaaring magpadala ng comments o suggestions sa DSWD. Sa ganitong paraan ay magkakaroon ang DSWD ng iba’t ibang lente sa pagbubuo at pag-finalize ng ating IRR (Anyone interested may send comments or suggestions to the DSWD. In this way, the DSWD will gain different perspectives in crafting and finalizing the IRR),” Dumlao said.
The Free Funeral Service Act mandates the provision of funeral assistance to families facing crisis situations, including indigent households and those affected by calamities, disasters, or other emergency circumstances that prevent them from providing dignified burial services for deceased family members.
Under the proposed IRR, the DSWD will serve as the lead implementing agency and will coordinate with several government offices.
The Department of Trade and Industry will oversee business registration and consumer protection concerns, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will supervise local government participation, while the Department of Health will ensure compliance with health and sanitation standards.
The law also tasks the DSWD with drafting and finalizing the IRR, which will establish operational guidelines, eligibility requirements, and coordination mechanisms among national agencies and local governments.
“Gusto po natin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maipatupad na natin ang Free Funeral Service Act para maibsan ang pangamba ng mga kababayan natin na nakararanas ng pagkawala ng miyembro ng kanilang pamilya kung kaya’t nais natin na mabuo na at mafinalize na ang IRR (We want the Free Funeral Service Act to be implemented as soon as possible to ease the worries of our fellow Filipinos who are experiencing the loss of a family member, which is why we aim to complete and finalize the IRR),” Dumlao said.
The DSWD set March 6 as the deadline for the submission of comments and recommendations from stakeholders.

Related Tags

DSWD FREE FUNERAL SERVICE ACT RA 12309 IRR
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