Funeraria Imperial reflects Naga’s culture, heritage, progress

As Funeraria Imperial approaches its 100th year in 2026, its story stands as more than a tale of a business reaching a rare milestone. It is, in many ways, the story of Naga City itself—its culture, its heritage, and the progressive spirit of its people.

Founded in 1926, the funeral company has become a fixture in the lives of Nagueños and Bicolanos, who have patronized the establishment not only because it is a home-grown enterprise but also because it has long embodied the values of dignity, compassion, and professionalism. Its century-long existence mirrors a community that, even a hundred years ago, was forward-thinking.

Former city councilor Jose B. Perez, who once chaired the Committee on Trade, Business, and Economic Enterprises of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and served as director and vice president for chamber management of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describes the company as a reflection of the entrepreneurial character of early Nagueños.

“One hundred years ago, Nagueños were already businesspersons,” Perez said. “They were running their own businesses, engaging in commercial activities, and owning institutional facilities. The success of Funeraria Imperial is proof of that.”

According to Perez, reaching a century in business is no small feat. It signifies sound management, consistent customer satisfaction, and a kind of service that has been carefully maintained across generations. “The family itself has maintained that kind of relationship with their clientele,” he noted. “Since death is inevitable, the Imperial family understood early on that providing dignified and excellent service to both the bereaved and their departed loved ones was essential—and they never went wrong.”

Today, Funeraria Imperial is managed by the third generation of the Imperial family, with the fourth generation already being prepared to take the helm. With each transition, the company has received recognition for its business ethics, the respect it commands in the community, and its ability to uphold trust in handling deeply sensitive services. Equally notable is the family’s commitment to its workers—employees who, in turn, serve with loyalty, competence, and dedication.

This commitment to quality has kept Funeraria Imperial at the forefront of the industry in the region, even as nationally known funeral homes established branches in Naga City and Camarines Sur. Rather than being overwhelmed by competition, the company stayed ahead through innovation.

One of its most forward-thinking expansions is the Naga Imperial Crematory and Columbary (NICC), established in 2010—years before national chains introduced the same services locally. For Perez, this move proves the family’s readiness to adapt.

“They are with the times,” he said. “What is needed by the times, the family is also there.”

For younger entrepreneurs, the story of Funeraria Imperial offers a powerful lesson in perseverance, adaptation, and vision. Perez points to the pioneering spirit of Felipe Imperial, the founder, who pursued the establishment of the funeral home at a time when such a business was considered morbid and unpopular.

“In every breakthrough, there has to be a pioneering spirit,” Perez said. “Felipe Imperial had that courage—and the fruits of that courage are still alive today, 100 years after.”

As Funeraria Imperial prepares to mark its centennial, it celebrates not only a business milestone but a legacy of service woven into the very fabric of Naga City. It stands as a reminder that traditions endure, families persevere, and communities thrive when built on trust, compassion, and the courage to lead.