Embalming school hopes to improve mortuary profession

CEBU, Philippines - While there is a great demand for embalmers in the United States, Australia and Canada, only a few Filipinos show interest in the profession.

Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) president Sarah Dychangco said there is still a “negative” stigma for Filipinos in the mortuary industry despite the growing demand.

“There is a positive career in embalming,” Dychangco said in a press conference with the Department of Health-7 held at the Kamagong conference hall yesterday.

In the Philippines, an embalmer’s entry level salary ranges from P9,000 to P12,000 per month and may even go up to P15,000 per month for those who are highly-trained and experienced.

In the US and in other countries, Dychangco said the annual average salary for an embalmer is US$3,460 per month.

The first of its kind in the country, PCAS is a learning institution located in Nivel Hills, barangay Lahug, Cebu City. They specialize in the mortuary profession.

Dychangco noted that the funeral industry is one of the most commonly misconstrued businesses.

She said concrete steps must be taken in order to change the public perception and ensure responsibility in performing the services.

The training school’s course includes two-weeks of on-site training and three-weeks of practicum.

In order to become a licensed embalmer, Dychangco said that one must be at least a high school graduate.

A year of studying and training is also required as well as a certification in basic Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Sanitation and Hygiene, Ethics and Jurisprudence.

A licensure exam is given by the Department of Health (DOH) before one can practice the embalming profession.

Dychangco and DOH Environmental and Occupational Health Coordinator Evangeline Canoneo also pointed out the health hazards that embalmers encounter when handling dead bodies.

Canoneo said there are safety precautions that mortuary personnel must bear in mind particularly on the communicable diseases that a dead body might possess and how to avoid getting contaminated.

According to the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations in Disposing Dead Persons, dead bodies with a communicable disease must be buried within the day.

Canoneo pointed out the necessary safeguards, such as putting on the appropriate clothing, mask and gloves must be among the priority safety gadgets that mortuary operators provide for their embalming personnel.

The waste disposal practices must also be clearly adhered to by the mortuary operators and keep its mandate in keeping the sanitary conditions in and out of the mortuary. – (FREEMAN)