The idea of burying one’s dead and the attendant rites and rituals are not new to pre-hispanic Filipinos as there were already burial practices in place before the coming of the Spaniards. The remains were usually located in caves or cliffs. When Catholicism was introduced, it was not hard for the natives to accept the introduced system which was now done in one place, the cemetery.
The camposanto or cemetery was, of course, a given in the simbahan complex and in the early part of the Spanish colonization era, these were located in the churchyard, usually adjoining the church. It was only later in the 18th century, in the year 1787, that King Charles VI of Spain, for reasons of hygiene, decreed that these should now be located a good distance from the church.

The grand cemetery chapel of San Joaquin in Iloilo
Colonial era cemeteries are one of the most endangered and often neglected heritage structures in the country today unlike the simbahan where a restoration and preservation program is in place. Except maybe for that in Tabaco City in Albay, Paco Park in Manila and to some extent, one or two in Iloilo like San Joaquin (pictured above), the rest are in a bad and disorganized state.
Many are crumbling, with usually the funerary chapel missing or was demolished. If the walls are still existing, these are usually in ruins or what remains are the thick foundations of the archway. In many areas that I’ve visited, not a single trace of the camposanto is left.
These are also significant structures that needs to be preserved for it is an important part of our heritage and culture. In this site, the different state and condition of these cemeteries or what’s left of it will be included.
To see all cemetery posts, click on this category tag: CAMPOSANTO
here in taguig, there is a camposanto that needs to be restored. where can ask for support?
Maybe you can refer it to the priest or your bishop. If not, to the National Historical Institute. Pero I doubt that they will act on it. One thing to do though, is to have it publicized and drum up awareness. I would like to see this camposanto in Taguig and feature it here in the future.
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