The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VI (PSA-RSSO VI) witnessed various mass weddings organized by different Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province of Iloilo.
This activity was conducted in line with the 32nd celebration of the Civil Registration Month (CRM) with the theme “lmproving Civil Registration and Vital Statistics lmplementation Strategies through Digital Transformation” in February 2022.
On Feb 10, Civil Registration and Administrative Support Division (CRASD) Chief William G. Jaro attended a mass civil wedding ceremony in Cabatuan, Iloilo which was participated by 24 couples.
Mayor Ronilo O. Caspe officiated the ceremony.
In his inspirational message, Jaro said the key to a happy and successful marriage is communication between husband and wife.
Another factor is to learn to forgive each other and putting Jesus Christ in the center of their life lead to a happy marriage.
He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the LGU of Cabatuan and the initiative of Municipal Civil Registrar Elsa Assesor for the success of this activity.
On Feb. 14 and 16, Officer-in-Charge Nelida C. Amolar served as guest speaker at the mass wedding organized by municipalities of Balasan and Concepcion, respectively.
Amolar congratulated the newly wedded couples and thanked the LGU and everyone for creating a sense of normalcy and bringing the community together with the successful celebration despite the lingering threat of pandemic.
Amolar also emphasized the importance of marriage as it is the beginning of the family and is a life-long commitment.
She highlighted that for children born prior to this marriage, couples should visit the office of the Municipal Civil Registrar for processing of legitimation for those parents who have no legal impediment or previous marriage for either of the father or mother.
On Feb. 14, the local government of Passi City, Iloilo headed by Mayor Stephen A. Palmares held a Solemn Mass Wedding entitled, “Mansibado sa Pagbag-o” at Barangay Sablogon.
The mass wedding was in collaboration with City Civil Registrar Salome E. Arevalo as the head of office and participated by 17 couples.
The activity was intended for couples who are cohabitating for several years without the blessings of marriage.
Mayor Palmares officiated the ceremony with the advocacy to give opportunity to the couples to avail of the legitimation process for their children.
During the ceremony, Statistical Specialist II Jean Lito N. Esapol, of PSA RSSO VI, imparted his words of wisdom to the newlywed couples on how to strengthen their bonds in married life.
Esapol advised the couples who already have children to apply for legitimation at the office of city civil registrar and comply all necessary requirements to legitimize their children.
He emphasized the importance of marriage and stressed out that couples should be sympathetic to each other because life is not always bed of roses.
Problems and trials certainly come. But with the strong relationship and love for each other, challenges will be overcome, he added.
Esapol ended his message by inspiring the couples to put Christ at the center of their life and always ask for guidance and blessings to keep their marriage long-lasting.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Guimbal also conducted civil mass wedding for 117 couples and officiated by Mayor Janette G. Collada.
The support of Municipal Civil Registrar headed by Percylette G. Quidato lead to the success of the event.
Mary Grace D. Dorilag, Registration Officer IV attended the mass civil wedding at municipality of Jordan, Guimaras also on Feb 14 that was participated by 25 couples and officiated by Mayor Ruben B. Corpuz.
Dorilag pointed out that marriage is a sentence, a life sentence for that matter; a happy wife is a happy life; and a happy spouse is a happy house.
She also thanked the collaborative effort of Municipal Civil Registrar Jesusa M. Millondaga to the success of the activity.
The Municipality of Buenavista, Guimaras also celebrated a mass civil wedding that was participated by 20 couples and officiated by Mayor Eugenio G. Reyes. This activity was successful as initiated by Municipal Civil Registrar Elma F. Zaldivar.
On Feb 16, the municipality of Oton, Iloilo also conducted a civil mass wedding spearheaded by the Municipal Civil Registrar Josefina C. Domingo.
The ceremony was officiated by Mayor Carina V. Flores with 25 couples tying the knot. The activity was done for majority of the couples that were already cohabitating for several years and now have decided to get married to legalize their union and legitimize their children.
Barangay Lanipe, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras held a mass wedding on Feb 24.
Mayor Emmanuel C. Galila officiated the ceremony with the support of Municipal Civil Registrar Mary Jane G. Piosca. Twenty-seven (27) couples participated in the activity.
Also, the town of Estancia, Iloilo organized a civil mass wedding on Feb 28. Mayor Melina D. Requinto officiated the ceremony for 28 couples.
The activity was in collaboration with the Office of Municipal Civil Registrar headed by Ma. Lourdes Gana.
Mr. Esapol gave his inspirational message during those activities.
