It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, and choosing a suitable tribute to their memory can be equally difficult. More and more families are opting to scatter their loved one's cremains in a place that has special meaning for them as cremation becomes more and more mainstream.
Cremains might be scattered at a beloved mountain peak or beach as a poignant and original way to remember a loved one. Before going any further, it's crucial to comprehend both the legal requirements and the Church's teachings on this practice. In this blog, we will look at the regulations in the Philippines regarding scattering cremation ashes as well as the viewpoint of the Church.
Legal requirements
Both national and local rules govern how cremated remains may be scattered in the Philippines. Cremation facilities are required by the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 to have the required equipment and procedures in place to stop the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also issued guidelines for the appropriate handling of human remains, which include the interment of cremains in certain places such memorial gardens or parks. Cremains must not be scattered on private property or in public without permission.
There may be additional restrictions on the dispersal of cremains in local ordinances. To prevent any legal concerns or unfavorable environmental effects, it is crucial to communicate with local authorities and adhere to their rules.
The Viewpoint of the Church
Because it reflects the Catholic Church's belief in the resurrection of the body, burial has traditionally been preferred over cremation. The body deserves respect and should be treated with dignity because it was once the Holy Spirit's temple.
However, in 1963, the Church lifted the ban on cremation, allowing Catholics to choose it as a last disposition option. The practice of cremation is not frowned upon by the Church, however it does advise Catholics to treat the remains with dignity.
Despite the lift, the Catholic Church strongly discouraged the public to keep their cremated remains of their dearly departed at home.
In 2020, Bishop Roderick Pabillo of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), made it clear in his pastoral instruction that cremains should be rested on sacred places such as columbarium. This is in line to the 2016 affirmation of the Vatican that Catholics could be cremated but must not have their ashes scattered or kept at home. The Church believes that cremation should always be done sacredly and legally.
Prohibition on Scattering Cremains on Bodies of Water
It is also worth noting that scattering cremains on bodies of water is prohibited by law in the Philippines. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 specifically prohibits the dumping of any waste, including human remains, into bodies of water.
Solid Waste as defined by the law pertains to any non-hazardous substance, all discarded household, commercial, institutional, industrial, and street sweeping waste as well as any non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste that isn't building debris or agricultural waste. This simply means that scattering cremains in rivers, lakes, or oceans is not allowed.
As previously established, LGUs have control over locations that fall under their political purview, which includes bodies of water. To prevent any legal liabilities, it is advisable to first communicate with the local authorities.
Finally, although dispersing cremains may seem like a simple process, it involves a great deal of responsibility. Even in death, we have a responsibility to respect each person's dignity. We can ensure that our loved ones are placed to rest with the respect and reverence they deserve by adhering to these laws and the Church's teachings.
May we always remember our loved ones who have passed away in ways that honor their unique lives and the love they shared with us.