_{The newlywed couples signed their marriage certificate to lock in their love in paper as part of the Civil Mass Wedding at Itogon, Benguet.}

ITOGON, Benguet – Thirty-eight couples vowed their love to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, and until death do they part during the Civil Mass Wedding hosted by the Municipality of Itogon through the Municipal Civil Registry Office, headed by Cherry Ann Carantes. The event took place on February 28 at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium.

Mayor Bernard Waclin, the solemnizing officer, emphasized the importance of marriage contracts for couples, especially for those with children born outside of marriage, as these unions can now be legitimized. Mayor Waclin expressed gratitude to all the couples and their relatives who attended the event, stating, “Nu awan kayo, awan maaaramid nga kastoy, haan nga successful.” (If you were not here, none of this would have been possible and successful.)

The Municipal Mayor proudly declared 38 couples as married, marking the highest number he has solemnized in Itogon.

PSA Benguet CSS Inspiration Talk

Meanwhile, Chief Statistical Specialist Imelda Buyuccan graced the event and extended her heartfelt congratulations to the couples and the municipality of Itogon, highlighting that the event was successful due to love.

“We are here because of love, we are here because of the love and support of the barangay officials and the mayor,” she said.

More so, the CSS mentioned the significance of establishing accurate data and information in the Community-Based Monitoring System conducted by the office, ensuring that residents receive better services in return. 

“Thank you ta idjay Community-Based Monitoring System kit naala tayo amin, inusar ti munisipyo nga agplano kadagitoy nga activity,” she said.

Nu mangalap ti datos, ited ti usto tatnu usto nga serbisyo ti agsubli kadatayo,” she added.

(Thank you for the Community-Based Monitoring System, we got every data we need. This [data] helps the municipality plan activities effectively. When we gather accurate data, we can provide better services in return.)

Information, Education, and Communication Campaign

An Information, Education, and Communication Campaign was also conducted by Registration Officer II Tagaban Aquino, who noted the essential requirements for marriage: legal capacity and consent, as well as formal requirements such as the authority of the solemnizing officer and the marriage license.

Municipal Civil Registrar Carantes also discussed Article 34 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which permits couples to marry without a license if they have lived together for at least five years and have no legal impediments to marriage. She informed the couples about the requirements for child legitimacy, ensuring their children obtain rights, including inheritance and the right to use their father's surname.

IMELDA L. BUYUCCAN (SGD)

Chief Statistical Specialist

/ZCM