Imperials launch the first-ever columbary, crematory in Bicol

By Jason B. Neola

NAGA CITY --- The Naga Imperial Columbary and Crematory (NICC) has been formally launched on Friday, Dec 18, this year, by the Imperial family who has been in the funeral industry for the past 95 years.

The Mega Imperial Development Group, Inc. (MIDGI), under which the NCCI operates, continues to provide dignified memorial assistance to Bicolanos since 1925. In 2001, the company was accorded with the opportunity to offer more excellent services and expanded product line under its columbary and crematory business.

“It is in this light that we appropriately conduct this occasion today not only because of new product and services launching but because of our profound intention to gratefully dedicate this piece of good fortune to God,” says Philip, the eldest among the Imperial siblings, who is the president of the corporation.

Ready to serve

With the launching, blessing and dedication of Bicol’s first-ever columbarium and crematorium business of the Imperials in Barangay Balatas, here, the NICC is ready to serve the increasing demand for columbary and crematory services.

After the conduct of the mass with Fr. Richard Ho Lung, the founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, as celebrant, a blessing-dedication rite was officiated by Fr. Henry Lozano, MOP’s Mission Superior.

Philip, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of NICC, recounted before well-wishers and guests, the privilege given to them in year 2012 when the national government selected and trusted NICC to perform funeral services on and was allowed to be a part of the state funeral of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

“No other funeral homes have done that in the entire Bicol region including Region IV,” he said.

Robredo’s cadaver, which was retrieved underwater after five days from the time his plane crashed in the sea in Masbate province, was provided with the needed preservation process before it was flown to Manila for public viewing. Days after, the cadaver was transported back to Naga (NICC) for cremation and state funeral.

THE Naga Imperial columbary and Cemetery (NICC) in Brgy. Balatas, Naga City.

The family’s funeral home business originally named Funeraria Cosmopolitan was founded in 1925 by Felipe “Peping” Imperial, the siblings’ grandfather who used to impart to his children and grandchildren that “the family business is not purely making money but as a way for us to let the bereaved families feel that we care and empathize for the loss of their loved ones.”

Mayor Nelson Legacion, the guest of honor during the occasion, said the Imperials have been a caring partner to those who wish to avail the company’s services for their departed because of its very affordable prices and value-added services.

Legacion even lauded the Imperials for extending assistance to the city government by granting its requests for poor families who cannot afford to pay the embalmment or cremation especially of those who died due to Covid-19.

“2020 has been a challenging year for all of us but this is also the year that our strength, oneness and unified efforts were tested. With every Nagueño doing his share sa atubang kan darakulang angat kan satong panahon, we have prevailed and surpassed most of these challenges,” Legacion said.

In a brief interview, Philip did not discount the possibility of putting up NCCI branches in other regions as part of the company’s expansion and modernization program.