Tawi-tawi: The Department of Social Welfare and Development is calling on government agencies, civil society organizations, and all interested parties to provide comments on the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12309, otherwise known as the Free Funeral Service Act, as it prepares for the full implementation of the law. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said comments from other agencies will ensure that the guidelines and implementation will be responsive and inclusive.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Free Funeral Service Act aims to provide free funeral services to families in crisis situations, including indigent families or those affected by calamities, disasters, or other emergency circumstances that prevent them from affording dignified funeral services. The proposed IRR outlines that the DSWD will lead the implementation of the law, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Health (DOH).

Under RA 12309, the DSWD is tasked to lead in the crafting of the IRR, which will provide the guidelines for the law's implementation. The proposed IRR may be accessed through an online link, and interested parties are encouraged to send their comments to Ms. Karlene Grace Tandang via email. The deadline for the submission of comments is on March 6.