Couples from Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu get married

CEBU, Philippines - Some 152 couples that came from all over Cebu were married yesterday in a ceremony held at the convention center of J Centre Mall in Mandaue City. The marriage ceremony was performed by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

The annual event was organized by PAG-IBIG for free in coordination with the city government of Mandaue.

On the other hand, 114 couples in Lapu-Lapu City also availed of a mass wedding initiated by the Lapu-Lapu City government. Mayor Paz Radaza officiated the ceremony.

“Love for each other should transcend from mere physical attraction to more lasting attributes,” Cortes advised the newly-wed couples.

The ritual was completed in a few minutes.

“We are happy that finally you are now legally married,” said Pag-IBIG vice president Victoria de la Peña as she led the toasting of wine.

Also at the event were Civil Service Commission regional director lawyer Karen Zerna, Pag-IBIG  department manager, north branch Jovelita Custodio, and department manager, south branch Rio Texas, and NSO director Ariel Florendo, among others.

The event was held simultaneously in urban centers as part of St. Valentine’s Day offering of the government agency.

Beneficiaries came as far as Danao City in the north and Minglanilla town in the south.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of Lapu-Lapu city’s mass wedding morning were members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program.

“Ang Kasalan sa Lapu-Lapu” was held at the city auditorium in barangay Poblacion where the city government provided free lunch  to couples and guests.

Each couple was entitled to bring at least eight people.

Eileen Radaza, a congressional aspirant in the upcoming elections for the lone district of Lapu-Lapu City and the only daughter of Mayor Paz Radaza and Lapu-Lapu City lone congressional district Rep. Arturo Radaza, along with the city councilors councilor and barangay officials stood as sponsors.  (FREEMAN)