VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The city government of Candon in Ilocos Sur conducted its first free mass wedding ceremony dubbed as “Gift of Marriage Program or GMP” which was participated by 50 couples in Candon city.
 
The GMP was held under Resolution No. 1049, series of 2022, at Candon Civic Center on Wednesday.
 
It was officiated by City Mayor Eric Singson.
 
He said the wedding ceremony shall strengthen each couples’ relationship.
 
“Ammok dayta ta iti kastoy nga aldaw, iso ti panagkasar ko ti civil marriage ket agingga ita kaduak pay laeng ni Grace kalpasan ti 54 years a panagdinnami iso nga importante diay panakaadda ti opisial a panagkasar tapno ti kasta lumagda ti inkayo panagtipon. Dadiay ti regalomi kadakayo and we are happy that you are the first group to benefit from our GMP – the gift of love from the city government of Candon (I can relate to that as today, December 28, is the anniversary of my civil marriage and I am still in love with Grace, my wife, after 54 years of being together. That’s why marriage is important to strengthen your relationship with your partner. This is our gift to all of you and we are happy that you are the first group to benefit from our GMP – the gift of love from the city government of Candon),” Mayor Singson said.

Mayor Singson was joined by Vice Mayor Kristelle Singson and some members of the city council, who also served as wedding sponsors.
 
“Let us not forget that marriage is a sacrament. It is not just a union of the couples but a union also with God. He is with you all throughout this journey and just seek for His guidance, love, protection and blessing always. We wish you all the best and congratulations!” Vice Mayor Singson told the couples.
 
She also had a message to those who are still waiting for “The One” and who are at the verge of giving up.
 
“Don’t fret. Just remember great things happen when you least expect it,” she said.

Discussing the aforementioned resolution, Councilor Lerisa Llanes, chair of the Committee on Gender and Development, said city government of Candon institutionalized the GMP to ensure and protect the sanctity and security of marriage.
 
"Along with the gift of marriage comes three other gifts and that we wish you all to receive – the gift of companionship, for you to know each other as confidants and companions; the gift of passion, for you to experience extreme and supreme bliss of an intimate marriage; and the gift of purpose, for you to have the ultimate purpose and meaning as family because it is God’s gift to us designed to bring us joy and Him to bring glory," she added.
 
Aside from the free wedding ceremony and reception at the said venue, the city government also sponsored the pair of rings of each couple, and provided them with cake, token, and cash gift. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)