LALA, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--A total of 1,261 couples have legally sealed and solemnized their union for free through the Kasalan ng Bayan 2022 sponsored by the local government and Everca Foundation Inc. on Sunday, March 20.

Newly-wed couple Mary Jane and Erlan Espinosa said they were grateful for the local government’s initiative. They stayed together for 12 years and have three children.

“Dako mi pasalamat kay gahatag ug libreng kasalan sama kanako karon wala mi kwarta ikafinance sa kasal,” said Erlan Espinosa.

[We are very grateful to the sponsors for initiating a free wedding since we don't have the budget to finance the wedding.]

Meanwhile, one of the brides, Jessebel Tumanda-Colongan feels happy that after 11 years of staying together with her other half, they are finally married

“Daghang salamat sa LGU Lala sa palibre na kasal. Sa wakas na kasal na jud mi sa 11 years na among panag-uban,” said Colongan. 

[Many thanks to LGU Lala for the free wedding. We are finally married after 11 years together.]

Mayor Angel “Tata” Yap served as the marriage officiant in the mass wedding. Municipal councilors, 2nd district representative Cong. Abdullah Dimaporo and 2nd district representative aspirant Sittie Aminah Dimaporo also served as witnesses. (LELA/PIA Lanao del Norte)