In the Philippines, embalmers like Joycel Regalado and RJ Cabillan are essential figures in the funeral industry, devoted to preserving the memories of the deceased. With their unique skills, they offer families a final opportunity to honor their loved ones.
A Journey into Mortuary Science
If we weren’t here, who would take care of the dead?
Joycel Regalado, Senior Embalmer
- Joycel Regalado has 19 years of experience in embalming.
- RJ Cabillan has been in the profession for nearly 25 years.
Joycel, 48, began her journey in mortuary science at 23, encouraged by family to pursue a career that was initially foreign to her. Now, as a senior embalmer at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City, her daily tasks involve meticulous preparation of the deceased.
Her emotional connection to her work is profound. Joycel recalls the first time she embalmed a baby, sharing, "It was difficult because I am also a mother… I was thinking that I needed to do it to preserve the baby so the mother and family could still see the body."
RJ Cabillan, 47, similarly finds himself emotionally affected by his work. Growing up in the industry, he started assisting his father with embalming at a young age. Now, he operates as an on-call embalmer for multiple funeral homes.
Despite the emotional toll, both embalmers have developed a resilience over the years. They manage to handle up to six bodies a day, emphasizing the importance of their role in providing closure for families.
Working Conditions and Compensation
The working conditions and pay scale for embalmers in the Philippines highlight a stark contrast with their counterparts in the United States. While Joycel’s salary ranges from P25,000 to P30,000, RJ earns around P1,000 per body. This disparity raises questions about the valuation of their critical services.
In the U.S., embalmers earn an average annual salary of P3.7 million, illustrating a significant economic gap.
Challenging Perceptions
Embalmers often face societal stigma, yet both Joycel and RJ aim to shift public perception. They emphasize the necessity of formal training and licensing to perform their jobs, highlighting their professionalism.
Joycel reflects on the importance of her work, stating, "What we do for the deceased… We bring comfort to their families." This sentiment encapsulates the deeply human aspect of their profession.
As they navigate their unique careers, both embalmers underscore the need for compassion and understanding in life and death. Joycel concludes, "Life is not just about work… Be kind, be understanding."
Their stories reveal the unseen dedication behind the art of embalming, a profession that, while often overlooked, plays a vital role in honoring life's final journey.