Whether you are arranging a funeral today or planning ahead for the future, knowing the decisions involved makes everything easier. This guide covers what Filipino families need to decide, what to ask a funeral home, and how to keep costs manageable.

At-need vs. planning ahead

An at-need funeral is arranged right after a death. Families must make many decisions quickly, often while grieving and under financial pressure. Pre-planning means making some or all of those decisions in advance, and often setting aside money for them.

Pre-planning is not morbid. For many Filipino parents and lolos and lolas, it is an act of love: a way to make sure their children will not have to borrow money or argue over decisions when the time comes.

The key decisions

1. Type of service

Most families in General Santos City hold a traditional wake with viewing, followed by a funeral Mass or religious service and burial. Others prefer a shorter wake, or a simple memorial service. Consider your loved one's faith, wishes and family traditions.

2. Venue and length of the wake

A home wake is common and more affordable; chapels offer convenience and space. Decide how many days of viewing your family needs, keeping in mind relatives who must travel, including OFWs flying home.

3. Casket

The casket is usually the biggest single expense. Choose based on budget and your loved one's size. A dignified casket does not have to be the most expensive one.

4. Burial place

Will your loved one be buried in a public cemetery, a private memorial park, or a family plot? Check lot or niche availability early, along with the cemetery's fees and requirements.

5. Personal touches

Photos, a memorial tarpaulin, favorite songs, a eulogy and flowers make the farewell personal. See our memorial service planning guide for ideas.

Questions to ask a funeral home

What exactly is included in the package, and what costs extra?
How many days of viewing are included, and what is the charge for additional days?
Is transfer of remains included? What about service outside the city?
Are there extra charges for special cases?
What is the interment fee, and when is it paid?
Can you help with documents for DSWD, SSS and other assistance?
Are payment arrangements available?

A trustworthy funeral home answers these questions clearly and puts them in writing. At Libintia Caja, we publish our package inclusions and plan terms openly so families know what to expect.

Budgeting for a funeral

Funeral costs add up from several parts: the funeral home package, the cemetery or interment fees, food and refreshments for visitors during the wake, transportation, and church or memorial fees. Read our breakdown of funeral costs in General Santos City.

Tips to keep costs manageable:

Agree on a budget as a family before choosing a package
Hold the wake at home if space allows
Keep the number of viewing days reasonable
Apply for burial assistance you may qualify for
Welcome abuloy (contributions) from relatives and friends, a long-standing Filipino tradition of support

Burial plans and community programs

There are two common ways to prepare financially:

Pre-need plans sold by companies licensed by the Insurance Commission. You pay installments over several years for a specified funeral package.
Community-based programs (often called damayan), where members contribute a small amount each time a fellow member passes away, and in return receive funeral coverage.

Whichever you consider, ask the provider to explain clearly how the plan works, what is covered, and what your obligations are.

Libintia Caja's Love Your Neighbor Program is a community-based plan in General Santos City. Members make small contributions per cadaver (plus a smaller share per beneficiary) and can avail of a complete funeral service package, with coverage for up to three beneficiaries. See how it works.

Talking with your family

Funeral planning conversations are never easy, but they are a gift. Choose a calm moment, such as a family gathering, and start simply: “I want to make things easier for you someday.” Share where your important documents are, your wishes for the wake and burial, and any plan you have joined.

Our printable funeral wishes checklist can help guide the conversation.

This guide is for general information only. For questions about our services and plan, please contact Libintia Caja Mortuary Care directly.