Mayor Ella Garcia – Yulo of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, solemnized the marriage of 53 couples who tied the knot on Valentine’s Day at the town’s gymnasium on February 14.
The mayor said these couples were living together without the benefit of marriage and some already have children.
One couple already has six children, she said in a press release Sunday, Feb. 16
The couples’ ages ranged from 18 to 50 years and are mostly from the upland barangays of the town.
The mayor said the couples took the opportunity to get married through the free wedding program of the LGU dubbed “Birada sa Kasanag nga Kasalan 2025.”
The couples did not have to pay for anything, including the reception that was also held at the town gymnasium, Garcia -Yulo said.
They were also given free wine.
The mayor said for the couples, marriage is no longer a priority because they have to contend firstly with their daily needs, especially those who have children.
“So we hold it for free for them,” said, pointing out “marriage will strengthen the family.”
The mayor told the couples that while she solemnized their marriage, they should still seek the blessing of their Church.
In her message she urged the couples to help each other and understand each other.
The mayor’s husband, Pimpoy Yulo, told the couples to be considerate of each other, “if one is fire, the other should be water” so that fighting will not worsen.
Rep. Emilio Yulo ( Neg. Occ., 5th District). who was present, congratulated the newly-weds.
Also standing as witnesses were several town councilors and department heads.*