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Planning an Affordable Funeral in the Philippines
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It is the only common ground of humanity.
However, while everyone knows that we will all reach that point, not everyone is truly prepared for it. Many Filipinos, when grieving for the death of a dear relative or friend, not only grieve for their loss but also for the expenses that they have to shoulder. Death absolves the person of all his/her financial obligations, but not those who are left.
So let’s just face it. It’s important to prepare not only for your future but also for that one thing that would be the end of us all — death.
On average, a funeral costs around Php 200,000 here in the Philippines. But how do you really plan an affordable funeral?
It is the only common ground of humanity.
However, while everyone knows that we will all reach that point, not everyone is truly prepared for it. Many Filipinos, when grieving for the death of a dear relative or friend, not only grieve for their loss but also for the expenses that they have to shoulder. Death absolves the person of all his/her financial obligations, but not those who are left.
So let’s just face it. It’s important to prepare not only for your future but also for that one thing that would be the end of us all — death.
On average, a funeral costs around Php 200,000 here in the Philippines. But how do you really plan an affordable funeral?
Identify The Type of Funeral You Want
We’re not being morbid here, but this is indeed the most crucial question: what do you want?
First, what kind of coffin are you looking for? Depending on the material, a coffin can cost anywhere from Php 5,000 – 110,000. The cheapest option is a plain wood coffin, which can be found in small funeral shops. White metal caskets cost at least Php 35,000.
Second, will you require embalming, or will you choose cremation? You must also make a decision on this. Depending on the parlor, an embalming service can go from Php 20,000 to 500,000 while cremation costs around Php 70,000 to 100,000. Of course, when you opt for embalming, you will need clothing, and prices for barong dresses and shirts range from Php 1,000 to 3,000.
Third, consider the memorial lot. Apartment tombs cost only Php 1,000 to 5,000 while private lots may cost up to Php 100,000. A mausoleum, on the other hand, can be very expensive and can cost up to Php 1 million, while the most expensive option, a garden or estate lot, ranges from more or less Php 10 million. It is worth noting, though, that public cemeteries in the provinces remain free of charge.
Fourth, think of the funeral and burial services. On average, loved ones spend roughly Php 50,000 on these services alone. It already includes food and refreshments for the wake and on the day of burial, as well as other burial-related expenses.
Get a Memorial Plan
Getting a memorial plan would undoubtedly help your loved ones bear the financial strain of burial-related services while they are grieving. Memorial plans include everything – from embalming, coffins, and 3- to 5-day memorial services to burial services. There are a lot of companies offering one. For instance, the memorial plan at St. Peter starts at Php 900 per month and can be paid over a 5-year period. Purchasing a life insurance policy must also be considered.
Tell Your Loved Ones About Your Plan
This may be a sensitive topic, but the most concerned people when something happens to you are your loved ones — be it family and/or friends. So it is important to share with them your plans, what you want your funeral to be like, if you have an insurance policy or memorial plan, and other requests if you ever have any. You don’t want to watch your own funeral service from somewhere while complaining, right?
We will all get there, that’s for sure. But let’s leave everything behind as peacefully as we can; and surely, one way is to take away the financial burdens from our loved ones when that time finally comes.
