18 PNP members say "I do" in mass wedding

CEBU, Philippines - People had varying plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day yesterday and for 254 happy couples, Valentine’s Day was a day to get married, and for free.

Eighteen couples were wed in a mass wedding sponsored by the Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 at the St. Ignatius Chapel yesterday afternoon.

In a similar event, 236 other couples also joined a mass wedding ceremony sponsored by the Pag-ibig Funds.

At the PRO 7’s chapel, Regional Office Director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo headed the ceremony as one of the couple’s sponsors alongside other members of his command group.

Garbo, as a husband himself, advised couples to remember what he said are “the 3-C’s of marriage” which will help in fostering and cultivating a happy family.

He said Christ should always be the center of their marriage as faith brings stability to any family. He also stressed that communication is a vital factor for a successful marriage amidst the challenges of everyday life.

Moreover, Garbo told the newly weds that they should be contented with each other despite their imperfections as a person.

A reception followed the wedding ceremony. It was held at the PRO-7 parade grounds with the family and friends of the newly weds.

Sgt. Jorge Labrador and his wife, PO2 Lea Vanessa, told The FREEEMAN that they are happy they can now take the Holy Communion during masses with their two children.

The two were married after 13 years of waiting. – (FREEMAN)