· An individual needs to take the licensure examination for embalmers.
· The CEUE is conducting the licensure examination for embalmers twice a year (March and September). The examination consists of two (2) parts, written and oral/practical. The examinee has to pass the written examination to qualify for the oral/practical examination. Once the examinee passes the oral/practical examination, he/she will be issued the Certificate of Registration (COR) and the ID as a licensed embalmer and he/she can practice the profession in the country.
· Renewal of ID is every three (3) years on the embalmer’s birth month and done in any DOH center for Health Development (CHD) offices.
· Since the days of ancient Egypt, embalming has been part of the funeral process. The Egyptians embalmed for various reasons, believing it necessary in entering the “afterlife” because once in the afterlife, the deceased/decedent would need a body.
· During the American Civil War, embalming was done to preserve the bodies of troops so that they could be shipped back to their families for burial.
· Embalming began in America during the Civil War, embalming his first body in 1861, Dr. Thomas Holmes, is credited as being the Father of Modern Embalming.
· Over the past decades, embalming has been undergoing profound transformational events, not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Today, embalming is also considered an art.
· The procedure is significant for preservation of evidences such as in medico-legal cases.
· Embalmers should be looked up to because of the significant manifold tasks they are rendering including the assistance they are providing the bereaved parties.
DOH created the Committee of Examiners for Undertakers and Embalmers (CEUE) in the DOH Central Office to regulate the practice of embalming in accordance to the provisions of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines or Presidential Decree 856 (PD 856) and Executive Order 102 (EO 102) s. 1999 Reorganization and Streamlining of the DOH.
It provides the CEUE the function to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the regulated profession and that the care the services which the embalmers provide are within the standards of practice.
Dr. Josephine Hipolito / Mr. Ryan B. Dordas
Health Human Resource Development and Planning Bureau (HHRDB)
Bldg. 12-A 2nd Floor DOH Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Contact No.: 651-7800 local 4203, 4204, 4227
a. Administrative Order No. 2010-0033 Revised IRR on Chapter XXI of PD 856
b. Department Circular # 2007-0135 “Reiteration on the observance of precautionary measures in the disposal of dead persons”
c. CEUE Resolution No. 2007-001 “Moratorium on the Renewal of License of Embalmers for the Past Five (5) Years and Over”
d. CEUE Resolution No. 2008-002 “Accredited Training Institutions and Training Providers for Embalmers for Year 2008-2011
e. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0009 “Designation of Human Resource Development Units (HRDUs) of Centers for Health Development (CHDs) as Coordinators for CEUE and CEMT”
f. Administrative Order No. 2007-0021 “Policies and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Training Institutions, Training Programs and Training Providers for Embalmers and Undertakers in the Philippines.
g. Department Circular No. 2009-0018 – “Reiteration on the strict implementation of CEUE Resolutions regarding Embalming Program”
h. CEUE Resolution No. 2009-001 “Creation of Committee for Continuing Embalmers Education Council (CEEC)”
i. Department Personnel Order No. 2011-0148 “Composition of DOH Continuing Embalmers Education (CEE) Council for the Year 2011-2012”
j. Memorandum dated 6 August 2010 to CHDs from HHRDB re: Updated on the CEUE Program”
k. CEUE Resolution No. 2010-001 “Directing the Adoption of the Code of Ethics for Embalmers Profession in the Philippines”
l. Developed/formulated the following:
- Competency Standards for embalmers
- Training regulations
- Curriculum for the Licensure Examination
- Manual for the Licensure Examination
- DOH licensure Performance Protocols
m. Conducted the following:
- Training of Trainers for Examiners and Assessors – July 12-14, 2010
- Training on Test Construction for Accredited Training Providers – July 15-16, 2010
n. Conducting a Research on the Standardization of Professional Competencies and Licensure Examination for Embalmers and Massage Therapists” – 2010-2011, University of the Philippines Manila National Teacher Training Center for Health Professions (UPMNTTCHP).
Application requirements:
a. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
(at least 18 years old at the time of examination)
b. Certificate of Good Moral Character from barangay captain of the community where the applicant resides
c. Certification or Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or provincial fiscal that he/she is not convicted by the court of any case involving moral turpitude.
d. Medical Certificate from a government physician
e. Certified true copy of Diploma or Transcript of Records (at least high school graduate)
f. Submit Marriage Contract for female married applicant
g. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has received basic instructions in five (5) subject areas based on Program Curriculum
h. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has skillfully embalmed at least 10 cadavers within one year period under his/her supervision
i. Filled up application form (1 copy)
j. 1 ½ X 1 ½ size photograph taken within the last 6 months (3 copies)
· Embalming is the funeral custom of cleaning and disinfecting bodies after death.
· This may also refer to the procedure of preparing, disinfecting and preserving a cadaver to an acceptable physical condition.
· It has been part of the funeral parlors so with our lives. It is done to preserve the deceased / decedent from natural decomposition and for restoration for a more pleasing appearance.
This refers to a duly licensed person by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Undertakers and Embalmers (DOH-CEUE), who applies, injects or introduces any chemical substance drug or herb internally or externally to a cadaver/corpse for the purpose of disinfecting, preserving before and during the burial or prior to cremation.