Pagkamatay

Pagkamatay refers to the event or state of death—when a living being ceases to live. The term is Filipino, formed from kamatayan (death) with the prefix pagk- to indicate the act or process of dying.

Medically, death is defined as the irreversible cessation of vital functions. Classical criteria include the permanent cessation of cardiopulmonary function, while brain death—irreversible loss of all brain activity—also constitutes death under many medical and legal standards. The determination of death is made by qualified physicians and is typically recorded on a death certificate.

In legal and administrative contexts, the death certificate provides official documentation of a person’s death, including the time, place, and possible cause. This document is essential for matters such as inheritance, settlement of estates, and eligibility for survivor benefits.

Culturally, pagkamatay is a significant transition that shapes family, social relationships, and religious practices. In the Philippines, customary rites include wakes (lamay) and funerals (burol), with practices varying by region and faith. Mourning periods and commemorations, such as All Souls’ Day, reflect the community’s response to loss.

Public health and ethics intersect with pagkamatay through topics like end-of-life care, palliative treatment, and advance directives. Understanding its medical, legal, and cultural dimensions helps societies address death with sensitivity and clarity.