TACLOBAN CITY (CIO) — A total of 126 couples from different barangays here sealed their vows during a free mass civil wedding ceremony held at Patio Victoria, San Jose on Thursday, November 14.

Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez solemnized the wedding rites dubbed as ‘Kasalang Bayan’, offered by the City Government free of charge for the couples who have been together for years but have no means of spending for the occasion.

“Alam niyo what we have to remember is this, basically marriage is just legitimizing yung pagsasama ninyo kaya be careful, may tamang pagmamahal at may maling pagmamahal,” Mayor Romualdez said in his message during the ceremony.

He likewise reminded the couples to discipline their children, and to remain steadfast in their relationship as this is not only an agreement among themselves, but will establish a strong foundation as a couple.

“We’re playing a major role here in our city. We build the next generation…hindi na dapat trabaho ng gobyerno yan, trabaho ng pamilya na yan,” the local Chief Executive added.

In an interview, Civil Registrar Imelda Roa lauded the couples on their desire to become legally married and said that the City Government shouldered all the expenses in the wedding reception.

Meanwhile, Myra Berino, 51 and Roman Llanes, 64 from Brgy. 109-A V&G who have been living together for 19 years expressed gratitude to the local government for administering such activity.

Present during the ceremony was Atty. Romeo Magdalaga Jr. who represented City Administrator Atty. Ivy Carba, the local Chief Executive’s son Raymund Romualdez and City Councilor Dalisay Erpe.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Chief Administrative Officer Anesia Babante and Chief Statistical Specialist Sheryl Ann Jamisola graced also the matrimonial rites and shared inspiring advises to the couples.

The Kasalang Bayan is a priority program of the City Government held every year that aims to legalize the union of couples and legitimize the children who were born out of marriage. – C. Merin/CIO

Photos: K. E. Napala/CIO

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