OZAMIZ CITY---'The basic
foundation of a strong marriage is love; indeed is seen during the ‘Kasalan Ng
Bayan’ celebration here last July 16.
The
“Kasalan ng Bayan 2019” was sponsored by the City Government as part of the
celebration of the city’s 71st charter anniversary.
The
free mass wedding includes couples living together out of wedlock.
Ozamiz
City Mayor Sancho Fernando “Ando” Oaminal solemnized the union of 66 couples.
He
advised them that marriage is a lifetime commitment; the sacrament of marriage
is forever with full of love and respect for each other.
He
also reminded the couples to be responsible and committed towards each other.
“With
marriage as the precursor to a family, we want our residents to know that
family comes first in this city,” he said.
In
her message, Vice Mayor Simplicia “Bebi” Neri congratulated the couples, who
have been living together for years without having legitimized their bond.
Neri
said that marriage strengthens their bond and relationship as one family.
Oaminal
and the City Councilors served as principal sponsors to the couples.
Highlighted
during the event is the oldest couple to take part in the mass wedding: Bentoldo
Dalangin, 76, and Leonora Absin, 62, both residents of Maningcol, this city.
The
couple thanked the local city government of Ozamiz for giving them the
opportunity to tie the knot via the government-sponsored Kasalang Bayan.
Getting
married, according to them, is a blessing because this legalized their
relationship.
The
66 newlywed couples received free wedding cakes, flowers and photo souvenirs. (PIA10)