By Jennifer P. Rendon
Twenty-five couples received the holy sacrament of matrimony during a mass wedding at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City on Thursday, Dec 8, 2022.
The couples, which included 33 police non-commissioned officers and 17 civilians, exchanged vows at the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel.
Eight of the couple who exchanged their “I dos” are both police officers.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Virgil Ibardolaza, PRO-6 chaplain, officiated the ceremony.
The PRO-6 Officers’ Ladies Club has sponsored the conduct of the said activity.
Western Visayas police chief Brigadier General Leo Francisco and his wife, Pinky, served as principal sponsors.
Other principal sponsors are members of the PRO-6 Command Group and OLC officers.
Francisco, who has been married for three decades, stressed the importance of celebrating marriage.
“When we celebrate a marriage, we do not only celebrate the union of two individuals.
More importantly, we celebrate life and its endless possibilities in God’s grace,” he said.
The region’s top cop said in jest that marriage is like being sentenced to “reclusion perpetua,” which literally means permanent imprisonment.
Francisco talked about ways to avoid conflict between couples.
“Dalawang batas lang ang dapat sinusunod. First, the wife is always right. Second, when your wife is wrong, refer to rule number 1,” he said.
While it might appear to be of a joke, Francisco said such rules will lead to lesser arguments, lesser conflicts, and a smoother running of the household.
“Conflict is inevitable and might even be considered normal in a healthy marriage. Too much conflict has damaging side effects, especially if it is not resolved. Minsan-minsan na nga lang tayo umuuwi, aawayin pa ba natin ang ating mga asawa?” he said.
The most critical aspect of conflict affecting the health of a relationship is its resolution.
There will always be disagreements and differences of opinion, he pointed out.
“Hindi talaga nawawala ang away, pero hindi ito dapat maging matindi. To avoid a loss of trust, damage to intimacy, or behavior that further upsets the relationship, the couple will want to make sure that a resolution does not leave lingering harm or resentment to one or both of them,” he said.
It is also important, Francisco added, that couples should internalize that they are now part of a bigger picture.
“While each of you has separate and distinct personalities from your partners, together you are complete and part of something greater. Remember, this completeness will prove a lot of things,” he said.
First, marriage proves that it’s possible to fall in love many times and always with the same person.
“Marriage also proves that no matter what the circumstances surrounding you, there’s always someone willing to risk the future with them,” he said.
More importantly, marriage proves that no matter how many curve balls life will throw your way, at the end of the day, there’s always someone who has your back, Francisco said.
At the end of the day, whatever happens, “your family will always have your back,” he said.
“We at the PNP do not only adhere to and internalize the values of love of God, respect for authority, selfless love, and service to the people and the sanctity of marriage, we also recognize that to love and get married is a choice, is a decision and a commitment much more than the commitment you have for this organization,” he said.
Because of the success of the said activity, another round of mass weddings for PNP personnel will be done on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2023.
