CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A total of 100 Fernandino couples were wed in the “Kasalan king Balen” (mass wedding) officiated by Mayor Edwin “Edsa” Santiago and sponsored by the City Government of San Fernando through its Community Affairs Division over the weekend at SM City Pampanga.
The mass wedding, which is in line with the celebration of the 17th Cityhood Charter Anniversary celebration and pre-Valentine’s Day bash, aims to help the couples who cannot afford the wedding expenses yet want to have a legitimate relationship as husband and wife in the eyes of the law and of the Lord.
Aside from free wedding rings, cakes, food packages and the issuance of marriage licenses and contracts, the local government of San Fernando also helped and assisted the couples to complete their personal documents.
In his message to the couples, Santiago stressed the importance of marriage. He said that it is not just a physical union but also an emotional and spiritual union.
“Sa ating lipunan, napakahalaga ng kasal because it binds you to a lifetime commitment. Dito kasi nag-uumpisa ang mga pangarap niyong magkaroon ng isang simple ngunit masayang pamilya,” Santiago said.
The city mayor also encouraged the Fernandino couples to be responsible parents and strengthen their families because it is the basic unit of society.
“Here in the City of San Fernando, we are a family-oriented city. Kaya naman hindi natin hinahayaan na masira lamang ng basta basta ang bawat pamilya, bagkus ginagawa pa natin na maging matatag at matiwasay ang isang pamilya, kaya tayo nagsasagawa ng mga ganitong aktibidad. Bilang ako ang nangangasiwa sa inyong kasal ngayon, ang aking hangarin lamang ay sana magkaroon kayo ng maayos at masayang pamilya, dahil ang pagkakaroon ng masayang pamilya ay siya ring tulay sa pagkakaroon ng mas maunlad at masayang Syudad San Fernando,” Santiago added.
Also present during the event were councilors Angie Hizon and BJ Lagman, Kaganapan 2018 Chairperson Jun Pineda with Co-Chairperson Robbie Hizon, City Civil Registrar Rimando Umali and representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority. (PR)