KASALANG BAYAN. A total of 50 couples exchange vows at the “Kasalang Bayan” hosted by the city government at the convention center in Barangay Sampalukan, Gen. Trias City, Cavite on Friday (July 12, 2019). The city government sponsors the annual mass wedding to legitimize live-in partnerships and help provide these couples a marriage contract, which is a requirement when their children attend school. (Photo by Dennis Abrina)
GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite -- A total of 50 couples sealed their vows during a civil wedding ceremony at the General Trias Convention Center here Friday.
Mayor Antonio Ferrer solemnized the wedding rites, offered by the city government free of charge, to legalize the couples’ live-in union. Vice Mayor Morit Sison and city councilors stood as godparents.
"We do this yearly to help unmarried couples who have been in partnership and convenient union, get their marriage legalized for free, as their (marriage) contracts are required by their children as a school requirement,” Ferrer said.
The city government shouldered the expenses for the “Kasalang Bayan” (mass wedding) that benefitted the 50 couples, 25 of whom were members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and could thus not afford church or civil nuptial rites.
"I also advice the newlyweds to settle any misunderstanding within the day, and never leave it (till) tomorrow -- any rift (that) could affect the family relationship,” the mayor said.
In an interview, City Civil Registrar Arlyn Bugtong said the city government shoulders the processing of the documentary requirements and the wedding reception.
“With this matrimonial rite, the now married couples could legitimize the status of their children. (The) process could take only less than a month, pursuant to the Family Code of the Philippines that eases the legalization process,” Bugtong said.
To spice up the wedding reception, the local government presented awards to the Early Bird Couple; Best in Wedding Gown; Best Groom Suit; the couple who lived together the longest; Oldest Bride and Groom; Youngest Bride and Groom; and the Pregnant Bride. (PNA)
