One of the "Kasalan ng Bayan" events organized by the Iligan City government. (File photo courtesy of Iligan CIO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least of 158 couples in Iligan City and Camiguin province exchanged vows Tuesday after their respective local government units organized the events to coincide with the Valentine's Day.
In Iligan City, 97 marriages were officiated by the local government unit during the "Kasalan ng Bayan," a mass wedding event.
In an interview, Mayor Frederick Siao said the mass wedding is one of the social services of the local government aimed at legitimizing the union of couples that have been living together for more than five years.
"There will be more problems (that may arise) if they are not married as compared to when they are legitimized (through marriage)," he said.
Siao said he is expecting the Community Affairs Office (CAO) to organize more mass weddings, especially for underprivileged couples who could not afford the expenses of getting married.
Siao has so far officiated the mass weddings of 228 couples since becoming mayor this year.
In Mambajao town, Camiguin, 61 couples were married at the Nuestra Señora Virgen De La Paz y Buen Viaje Church.
Municipal Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo said the local government provided each newlywed with a sack of rice and a wedding cake. (PNA)
