Philip Pangilinan Samson, owner of Pangilinan Funeral Homes, inspects the caskets for the Free Casket Program sponsored by Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.
On August 9, 2025, Lazatin announced that he will donate two months of his salary to fund a Free Casket Program for residents of the First District of Pampanga.
Through the program, relatives of indigent deceased residents from Angeles City, Mabalacat City, or Magalang Municipality may avail of free caskets, in partnership with Pangilinan Funeral Homes.
The program is set to begin on September 1, 2025.
Residents wishing to avail of the program may visit Lazatin’s district office carrying the following documents: original and photocopy of the deceased’s Death Certificate, funeral contract, Certificate of Indigency from the deceased’s barangay, one valid government-issued ID of relatives of the deceased, and one valid government-issued ID of the deceased. In case the deceased is a minor, one of the parents should provide their valid government-issed ID.
Upon submission of the requirements, a dedicated social worker will conduct an interview of the relatives to assess their eligibility. Eligible applicants will be issued a Referral Letter, which they will present to Pangilinan Funeral Homes.
This program is a continuation of the Free Casket Program first implemented by Lazatin in Angeles City during his term as City Mayor.
