OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--As part of the 75th Charter Anniversary celebration of Ozamiz City, the city government here held the "Kasalan sa Fiesta 2023," or free mass wedding rites, July 14, at the Cotta Fort, Ozamiz City.

A total of 175 couples participated in the Kasalan sa Fiesta, officiated by Rev. Martin S. Jumoad and witnessed by the city mayor, council, the couples’ principal sponsors, and their families.

Each couple received wedding cake, gift certificates, spaghetti, canned goods, a gas stove burner with an LPG tank, and P30,000 in cash from the city government, the Second District Representative, and the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental.

Ozamiz Mayor Henry "Indy" Oaminal Jr. underscored the importance of getting married, saying, "important gyud magpakasal dili lang alang-alang sa katungod sa madawat pero para pud sa kaayohan dili lang sa anak ug sa pamilya kundi pagpamuyo sa bana ug asawa." 

(It is really important to get married not only for what you will receive but also for the welfare of children and the family and for the harmonious living of the husband and wife)

Mayor Indy Oaminal reminded the couples of their responsibilities and commitment to each other.

"Hinaot nga kining tanan nga nadawat ninyo makatabang ni sa inyong kinabuhi. Ang gusto namo mahitabo sa inyoha that you live lovingly, your relationship will only strengthen forever and ever sa tanang kalisod, kalipay magkuyog mo, magtinabangay, mag-inalagaa’y with the blessing of God," the mayor said.

(I hope that all you have received today will help you. What we want to happen to you is that you live lovingly, that your relationship will only strengthen forever and ever in all difficulties, that you will be happy together, that you will help each other, and that you will take care of each other with the blessing of God)

Meanwhile, Xander Dalid and Marjorie Colcol Dalid from Purok 2, Barangay Sangay Diot, were one of the 175 couples who got married in the ceremony and thanked the city government for the opportunity to finally legalize their union.

"Ako mapasalamaton kaayo ko niini nga administrasyon nga kini nakahatag gyud og kalipay sa mga tao labi na sa amoa nga bag-o lang gikasal," Xander Dalid said.

(I am very grateful to this administration because it has really brought happiness to the people, especially to us who just got married)

Kasalang Bayan is one of the events prepared by the city government to celebrate the city’s 75th Charter Day and is a priority program of the Ozamiz LGU to legitimize the union of indigent unwed couples. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)