OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--A total of 262 couples tied the knot during the “Kasalan ng Bayan 2022” or mass wedding hosted by the City Government of Ozamiz, June 27.

Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal, who has been administering the ‘Kasalan Ng Bayan’ for three years now, stressed that marriage is a life-long commitment.

"Kini nga okasyon, this is the moment nga inyong ihatag sa inyong partner ang inyong whole devotion, love and commitment. I hope nga ang inyong pag-anhi karon tungod sa inyong kagustuhan nga you will officially become husband and wife,” he said.

(This occasion is the moment you give your partner your whole devotion, love and commitment. I hope that you come today because of your wish that you will officially become husband and wife)

Oaminal also shared the meaning and reason for slogan 'Asenso Ozamiz' saying the project was created because of the LGU's campaign, which is true and complete service. He added that if they can afford and give, they will give everything because such is the LGU's love and commitment to the people.

Oaminal also said the city will continue to conduct weddings that will be officiated by Mayor elect Henry “Indy” Oaminal Jr.

Meanwhile, Ernesto Ferr Rebutazo Jr., 48, from Malaubang, Ozamiz City who finally wed his partner of eight years, thanked the local government for the opportunity of finally legalizing their union. 

“Kini dako kaayo ug ikatabang kanamo, especially katong nag live-in ug ikaduha pud makatabang kini sa among mga anak nga mahimong legitimate isip nakasal nami. Among na-realize nga importante gyud kaayo nga makasal mi para mahimo siyang legitimate child,” Rebutazo said.

(This event is a big help to us and for those who are live-in only and second it will also help our child become legitimate. We realized the importance to get married so that our child becomes legitimate)

Each couple received a wedding cake, gas stove burner with LPG tank, P20,000 cash gift and additional P5,000 from the city government through City Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal.

The Asenso Ozamiz led by Oaminal has legitimized the union of 1,191 couples since the start of his administration.

This is the last kasalan ng bayan and one of the legacy projects of Sancho Fernando Oaminal during his term as mayor in Ozamiz City. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)