In a random interview, The STAR got different reactions to the proposal of a Manila City Hall official to change the way the dead are buried – from horizontal to vertical.
Sixty-seven-year-old Mariano Maglalang said the idea, though practical, is impossible to implement as it is opposed to what Filipinos are accustomed to.
"Hindi iyon ang nakasignan natin. Kahit patay na ang mga iyan, dapat ay ayusin pa rin natin sila (We are not used to that kind of practice. Even though they’re dead, we have to give them proper burial)," said Maglalang.
Another elderly echoed Maglalang’s belief. "Kung ako ang mamamatay, ayaw kong ilibing nang nakatayo (If I die, I won’t like to be burried standing up)."
But middle aged individuals interviewed considered the practicality of the proposal of Dr. Florante Baltazar, chief of the Manila City Health Department. "That can be done but it might take some time. You can’t just exhume dead people and bury them in a different way."
For his part, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is also not keen on the idea.
"It would not solve the problem. Let’s try to find other solution like putting up more apartment-type tombs," said Atienza.
Baltazar said his proposal might sound funny but insisted "it’s practical." A space allotted for a horizontal coffin could accommodate three, thus solving the problem on a crowded cemetery.
He pointed out that mummies in Baguio City were buried sitting down, "so why not bury our dead loved ones standing up."
Baltazar, however, said he would not insist the implementation of his proposal "Kung gusto lang naman nila lumuwag ang mga sementeryo (Only if the people want to decongest their cemeteries)." – Cecille Suerte Felipe