Official Statement on the Burial of Cadaver Remains
06 June 2011
The Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan has continually and faithfully upheld the highest standards in the training of medical practitioners. The School was given the distinction of being a Center of Development in Medical Education from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and holds a Level 1 accreditation status from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).
Our students in their Anatomy Class study body parts of embalmed cadavers which have been previously immersed in formalinized water for a year. Before and after dissections are performed, students and their professors offer prayers for the cadavers. Utmost respect for the dignity of the human body is observed during Anatomy classes. Masses are offered every All Souls’ Day for all cadavers in the laboratory and also before burial.
The incident on May 17, 2011 when sealed boxes containing cadaver remains were found unburied at a public cemetery is deeply regrettable. Upon knowledge of the incident, the University formed aCommittee to investigate the matter and move toward its resolution.
TheSchool complied with all the burial requirements of the Bolonsori cemetery management. The School also specified in its request that the remains be given a dignified resting place in the cemetery as has been practiced.
The School engaged independent contractors to carry out the burial process. On May 10, 2011, the cadaver remains were properly turned over to the Bolonsori personnel for burial through the independent contractors engaged by the School. Thereafter, the School was not in control of succeeding events.
Nevertheless, Xavier University is taking steps to improve further its policies governing the proper disposition of anatomical specimens.
We laud the efforts of the City Council in carrying out investigations in aid of legislation to prevent similar unfortunate incidents in the future.