FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Through House Bill No. 9639, filed on June 2, 2026, Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is pushing for the provision of free caskets and discounts on funeral services for indigent and extremely poor families, to be implemented nationwide through LGUs.
To be known as the “Free Casket and LGU Funeral Service Discounts Act,” HB 9639 mandates all LGUs to provide free caskets and funeral services to qualified indigent and extremely poor families through their respective Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs).
Through HB 9639, an LGU-funded assistance mechanism shall be established and implemented in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to prevent duplication with the national free funeral services under R.A. 12309 or the “Free Funeral Services Act.”
“Many extremely poor and indigent families have to make difficult choices during their time of loss due to the exorbitant costs of caskets and funeral services,” Lazatin explained.
“We are filing this measure to help ensure that those who are financially-challenged will still be able to provide a proper and dignified burial for their loved ones,” he added.
Since September 1, 2025, Lazatin has been setting aside part of his salary to personally fund a Free Casket Program for indigent residents of the First District of Pampanga.
Through the program, relatives of indigent deceased residents from Angeles City, Mabalacat City, or Magalang Municipality may avail of free caskets from the office of Lazatin, in partnership with Pangilinan Funeral Homes owned by Philip Pangilinan Samson.
Residents wishing to avail of the program may visit Lazatin’s district office carrying the following documents: original and photocopy of the deceased’s Death Certificate, funeral contract, Certificate of Indigency from the deceased’s barangay, one valid government-issued ID of relatives of the deceased, and one valid government-issued ID of the deceased. In case the deceased is a minor, one of the parents should provide their valid government-issed ID.
Upon submission of the requirements, a dedicated social worker will conduct an interview of the relatives to assess their eligibility. Eligible applicants will be issued a Referral Letter, which they will present to Pangilinan Funeral Homes.
This program is a continuation of the Free Casket Program first implemented by Lazatin in Angeles City during his term as City Mayor.
(Photo shows Philip Samson, owner of Pangilinan Funeral Homes.)
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