St. Vincent Ferrer Memorial of Love Columbary (SVFMLC) Rules and Regulations
The following Rules and Regulations have been established to ensure the proper use, administration and maintenance of the columbarium. The Owner of the columbarium vault, by virtue of Certificate of Perpetual Right to Use, agrees to be bound by this Rules and Regulations and any amendments thereafter.
1. Certificate of Ownership
The individual named in the Certificate of Perpetual Right to Use is the duly registered beneficiary or owner, as reflected in the records of SVFMLC Administration Office, and is granted exclusive rights to use the columbarium vault.
2. General Guidelines
a. Use. The columbarium is designated solely for the interment of the cremated remains (ashes and bones) of a person.
b. Respect and Dignity. All visitors and those utilizing the columbarium are expected to act in a manner that respects the solemnity of the space, avoiding any disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
c. Access Hours. The Columbarium shall be open for visitation during the posted hours. Longer visitation hours shall be available on dates including but not limited to November 1 and November 2. Access outside of these hours is by special arrangement only. Any changes in the schedule shall be posted in the SVFMLC Administration Office and/or Bulletin.
3. Interment Procedure
a. Interment Scheduling. Interment requests must be communicated to the SVFMLC Administration Office and Interment/Service fees must be paid at least three (3) days before the scheduled date of interment. The requestor must show the Certificate of Ownership as one of requirements for the issuance of "Interment Order" by the SVFMLC Administration Office.
b. Bones and Cremated Remains. The Owner has the option to purchase urns and containers for the placement of bones or cremated remains from the SVFMLC Administration Office. If the Owner chooses to use an urn or container purchased elsewhere, it must be approved by the SVFMLC Administration to ensure proper storage within the vault. If bone remains are to be placed in the vault, the Owner is responsible for ensuring that the remains are properly processed and cleaned for storage, at their own expense. However, the final cleaning and preparation of the remains for storage will be provided as part of the vault placement service by the SVFMLC Administration. The SVFMLC Administration reserves the right to refuse storage if these requirements are not met.
c. Interment Services. Inurement (the process of placing remains in the niche) may be conducted privately by the family or through arrangements with a memorial service provider. If the family desires a service (holy mass, prayer service or any memorial rites), arrangements should be made in advance.
d. Number of Interments. Each vault can hold up a maximum of 4 remains.
4. Niche Markers and Memorialization.
a. Engravings/Nameplates. The engravings or markings shall be performed by SFVMLC Administration Office in order to maintain a uniform size and appearance. The Owner is responsible for the cost of the engravings.
b. Memorial Items. To maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the Columbary, NO objects shall be placed in the columbary unit except for the candles and flowers which shall be bought at the SVFMLC's Office. No pictures, vases, or other adornments are allowed. SVFMLC Administration Office has the right to remove these items. Items left for extended periods will be removed periodically to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the columbarium.
5. Transfer/Assignment of Ownership.
The Owner may sell, transfer, and assign to another person the ownership of the subject columbary unit at any time. The transfer shall be effected upon submission of the following documents:
a. Request Letter signed by the Owner for effecting the transfer;
b. Deed of Sale or Deed of Assignment or any binding agreement executed by both parties as proof of transfer;
c. Current Certificate which shall be surrendered for cancellation;
d. Receipt of full payment of the Transfer Fees and other related fees, if applicable
e. Other documents that SVFMLC may require.
Upon receipt of the above documents by the SVFMLC Administration Office, the previous Certificate shall be canceled and a new Certificate shall be issued to the new Owner. All taxes in relation to the transfer shall be borne by the Owner or the subsequent Owner.
In the event Owner does not transfer ownership during his/her lifetime, the ownership of the Columbarium unit shall be transferred to the estate of the deceased owner applying the Philippine laws on wills and/or the legal succession.
6. Maintenance and Upkeep.
a. Columbarium Maintenance. The SVFMLC Management is responsible for the upkeep of the structure and common areas. This includes cleaning, repairs, and maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the columbarium.
b. Perpetual Care Fund. A one-time maintenance fund fee, equal to 10% of the purchase price, shall be paid by the Owner upon the issuance of the Certificate. This fee will be used for the management and maintenance of the Columbarium. In the event of a transfer of ownership, the subsequent Owner shall also pay a Maintenance Fund fee equal to 10% of the prevailing selling price at the time of transfer.
c. Damage to Property. Any damage caused to the columbarium structure, niches, or surrounding grounds by individuals or their guests will be the financial responsibility of the individual or family who reserved the niche.
7. Conduct and Behavior.
a. Respectful Conduct. Visitors must show respect for the memory of the deceased, observing appropriate behavior at all times. Loud conversations, disruptive actions, or behavior that could disturb others is prohibited.
b. Pets. Pets are not allowed in the columbarium.
c. Smoking, Gambling and Drinking of Alcoholic Beverages. Smoking, gambling and drinking of Alcoholic Beverages are not allowed inside or within a designated distance of the columbarium building.
8. Removal of Cremated Remains.
a. Removal Process. Should a family wish to remove cremated remains from a niche, a formal request must be made to the columbarium management, which will facilitate the process in accordance with local laws and regulations. The removal schedule must be coordinated with the SVFMLC administration office, and the applicable fee must be paid in advance of the scheduled removal.
b. Transfer of the Remains. If desired, cremated remains may be transferred to another location (i.e., another niche or cemetery). This transfer must also be arranged through the SVFMLC Administration Office.
9. Insurance.
The Owner shall pay their prorated share of the annual insurance fee for the building. If the insurance fee remains unpaid for ten (10) consecutive years, ownership shall be forfeited in favor of SVFMLC.
10. Government Taxes and Other Fees.
In the event that the SVFMLC will be subjected to real estate taxes or any special govemment assessment, the Owner agrees to pay the SVFMLC such tax in accordance with its pro-rata share.
11. Amendments to the Rules and Regulations.
SVFMLC reserves the right, without prior notice. to amend or add to these rules, policies and procedure outlined herein as SVFMLC Management deems appropriate and in the best interest of the SVFMLC community and Owners.
12. Compliance.
Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in the removal of memorial items or, in extreme cases, the removal of cremated remains from the columbarium.
By utilizing the columbarium, all individuals and families hereby agree to comply with these rules and regulations. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and peaceful environment for all those wishing to remember and honor their loved ones.