Philippine Mortuary Association’s 2nd Annual

Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA) had its 2nd Annual Convention & Symposium held last February 28-March 2 at the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies ( PCAS) Nivel Hills, Lahug. The event brought about more than two hundred funeral service professionals gathered together for three (3) days of educational opportunities, trade shows with exhibitors displaying the newest Filipino imported funeral supplies and other business materials.

Convention creates global connection

PMA convention gathering of funeral service professionals is also a combination of trade shows and education opportunities. To help and gain more ideas PMA once again offered general sessions featuring international acclaimed speakers from Australia and England together with Mr. Jeffrey Chancellor, CFHI consultant and chairman of Pacific Center for Advanced Studies to incorporate new developments and trends especially in the mortuary business. This allowed all the attendees to take full advantage of the educational offering at the convention. PMA was so pleased with the large number of members and exhibitors partners who participated.

DOH Group Discussion

One of the highlights of the convention was the Focus Group discussion of Department of Health (DOH) of Embalming Licensure Examination regulations, and all laws pertaining to the funeral business, represented by Dra. Josephine Hipolito & Ms. Leah L. Salvatiera. Funeral directors, embalmers, and professionals had the chance to have a group dialogue on how they can face new challenges arising from licensing concerns and how can the government extend their support.

PMA Executive Meeting

Several topics that concern to funeral professionals and consumers were discussed during the meeting. One topic of particular interest to membership was the strong desire for the Philippine Mortuary Association Membership to make funeral cemetery and pre-need plan companies more transparent and understandable to the consumer by providing accurate costing information. A committee was formed to further investigate this matter and make recommendations to further membership action.

Fun, Fellowship, Dinner & Raffle

Attendees enjoyed the performance of various Filipino dances by the UC Cultural dance troupe.

The night ended with a cocktail dinner at the poolside. Great food, fellowship, awarding of certificates and drawing of raffle prizes where delegates and exhibitors win, too. Enormous prices such as funeral casket, casket stand, stretcher, Persian carpets, books, traveling bags, shirts, and lots gift items were also given.

PMA aspires to move forward and commit to delivering results and welcome opportunities to learn ways to better serve the bereaved families and share a forum to voice out concerns that affect the small business and consumers directly.

All are excited for the next year''s PMA convention which will be held in Davao City in February 29-March 2, 2008 and looking forward to even larger attendance.