Bacolod City – During the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, residents of Bacolod City, including children living near public cemeteries, have seized the opportunity to earn an income by offering services to clean and maintain graves.
According to Philippines News Agency, these seasonal jobs have become a viable source of income. ‘Cyril,’ a 10-year-old boy who resides near the Bacolod City Public Cemetery, reported earning PHP500 by cleaning and painting tombs starting from 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Cyril shared in a radio interview that he charges PHP100 for tomb painting and cleaning, and PHP150 for fixing tombstone inscriptions.
Two young men, ‘Bornok’ and ‘Waldo,’ also found work at the Bacolod City Public Cemetery, earning around PHP4,000 on Tuesday by providing similar graveyard services. Their rates vary, with standard cleaning priced between PHP150 to PHP200, while more extensive cleaning and repainting services start at PHP1,000.
At the Sum-ag Public Cemetery in Barangay Sum-ag, ‘Rolyn’ and her partner have been offering grave maintenance services since 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Their charges depend on the services required, ranging from PHP50 to PHP100 or more. By mid-afternoon, they had earned at least PHP1,000. Additionally, two grade school boys were seen offering painting services at the same cemetery, intending to use their earnings as school allowances.
In another part of the city, a group of entrepreneurial young children set up a stall near the entrance of the Handumanan Public Cemetery in Barangay Handumanan, asking for cash donations in exchange for burning incense, believed by some to ward off evil spirits.
Simultaneously, the Local Market Committee has allowed at least 200 flower sellers and food vendors to set up stalls in designated areas until Thursday, granting them special permits worth PHP400 from the Business Permits and Licensing Division. These vendors are selling flowers, candles, and food items around the Bacolod City Public Cemetery, public markets, and along the public plaza.