Design for Compassion: A Low-Cost Casket for Cebu's Communities
Redesigning funeral options to bring affordability, sustainability, and dignity to underserved families
As part of an outreach initiative led by the NGO JPIC-IDC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation-Integrated Development Center), I collaborated with the University of San Carlos on a project aimed at supporting underserved communities in Cebu, Philippines. Founded by Fr. Heinz and other SVD priests, JPIC-IDC has dedicated itself to building socialized housing for informal settlers and dumpsite dwellers while empowering these communities with sustainable, income-generating opportunities to foster greater independence and dignity.
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In Barangay Bagalnga, a rural village in Compostela, Cebu, known for its rich history and growing population of over 3,000 residents, high funeral costs weigh heavily on low-income families. With even the most basic caskets starting at ₱3,000 and average funeral expenses far exceeding the daily income of many families in this mountainous community, a dignified burial is often out of reach. Addressing this challenge within the JPIC village, I designed an affordable, durable casket crafted from locally available, sustainable materials like bamboo and woven banig. This initiative not only provides grieving families with a dignified option but also creates opportunities for residents to establish a cottage industry, supplying these caskets to funeral homes and local government units that support the poor. Through this work, we aim to alleviate financial burdens while empowering the community with sustainable economic opportunities.
High Funeral Costs for Low-Income Families in Cebu
In Cebu, particularly in areas like Compostela and Consolacion, funeral expenses present an immense financial burden for low-income families. With an average daily income of just ₱500 to ₱1,000 for many households, the cost of even the simplest funeral arrangements is often out of reach.
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Basic Casket Prices:
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Wooden caskets start at around ₱3,000 but can reach ₱100,000 for higher-end designs.
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Metal caskets range from ₱16,000 to ₱35,000, depending on quality and material.
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Funeral Service Packages:
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Basic funeral packages, including embalming and simple viewing arrangements, start at ₱8,000.
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Mid-range services range from ₱15,000 to ₱250,000, with more comprehensive options.
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High-end services can exceed ₱500,000, including premium caskets and elaborate arrangements.
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Additional Costs:
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Burial plots vary widely: ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 for apartment tombs, while private lots cost approximately ₱100,000.
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For families in these communities, these costs are simply unaffordable, leaving many without dignified options for laying their loved ones to rest. This harsh reality highlights the urgent need for affordable and sustainable funeral solutions that alleviate the financial strain on grieving families.
Sustainable, Low-Cost Caskets Crafted Locally
In Barangay Bagalnga, the villagers possess a rich heritage of craftsmanship and resourcefulness. Many men in the community are skilled carpenters, having honed their craft in construction, while women excel in weaving intricate patterns using bamboo and banig. However, much of this talent has been dispersed, with men leaving to find work in towns and cities, and the women’s woven goods often relegated to small souvenirs sold to tourists across Cebu.
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Recognizing this untapped potential and the community’s strong religious beliefs—which emphasize the sanctity of burial in holy grounds rather than cremation—I sought to design a solution that leveraged these local skills and materials.
The casket design utilized locally available resources and traditional skills:
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Casket Frame: Constructed by the men using coconut tree lumber, a material they were already accustomed to working with for their homes and furniture.
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Exterior Weaving: The women of the village wove intricate banig patterns from bamboo and other native materials, providing the casket with a dignified yet unique aesthetic.
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Interior Lining: The inside of the casket was lined with tarpaulin for added protection against the elements, overlaid with soft sheets and padding to ensure comfort and dignity.
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Two-Piece Lid: The top of the casket was designed in two sections, allowing for the viewing of the deceased during wakes and funerals.
The entire process—from material sourcing to construction—was designed to be simple and sustainable. The materials were locally sourced and readily available in the village, ensuring minimal environmental impact and reduced costs. The collaborative effort not only provided a dignified burial solution but also created a new avenue for economic activity. By utilizing their existing skills, the villagers could produce caskets for their own use and for sale to neighboring communities, helping them establish a sustainable, income-generating cottage industry.
