To legalize the union of common-law couples, a total of 68 live-in partners were wed for free by Mayor Noel E. Rosal in time for Valentine’s Day on Monday at the Legazpi City Convention Center (LCCC) here.
The civil mass wedding was spearheaded by the Legazpi City Women’s Federation (LCWF) to benefit those who have been living together but said they lack the money needed for a wedding.
LCWF president and the mayor’s wife, Geraldine Rosal, said in an interview the couples were pre-identified by the Barangay San Roque Women’s Organization, adding that most of them had been live-in partners for almost 10 years and with children.
“Most of the couples were employed as butchers at the city Double ‘AA’ slaughterhouse while the others were employed as ‘job order’ at the city government of Legazpi,” she said.
Geraldine encouraged the newlyweds to become responsible parents and always teach their children good values to become good citizens of the country.
She urged them, especially the husbands, to become good providers to their families so they can give their children a better future.
“In the time of pregnancy of all the mothers, just always visit the lying-in clinics at the different villages including the main clinic at the City Health Office (CHO) and to the Legazpi City Hospital for their maternity checkup,” the mayor’s wife added.
She noted that the city government has established five lying-in clinics in the southern and northern portions of the city to improve the provision of medical services to mothers and their babies, particularly those residing in far-flung barangays.
Meanwhile, in Camarines Sur, at least 10 live-in partners also tied the knot under a project of the Bombon Municipal Police Station.
Regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement: “The responsibility of Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) not just end by keeping a peaceful region but also having a good relationship between husband and wife.”
He cited the importance of the sacrament of matrimony, adding that a happy family is the foundation of a strong, peaceful community. (PNA)
