City gov’t to sponsor mass wedding for 100 couples

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will sponsor a mass wedding for 100 couples on September 27 and provide them with free food, including “lechon,” to celebrate their unforgettable moment in life as husbands and wives.

Cebu City Public Information Officer Carlo Dugaduga said the event will coincide with the celebration of the National Family Week.

The activity is spearheaded by the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission chaired by Councilor Mary Ann De Los Santos, in coordination with the City Health Department and Office of the Civil Registrar.

De Los Santos said the project aims to help the less fortunate couples from the barangays and who could not afford to shoulder the expenses for the requirements and for the reception.

This year’s activity carries the theme “Sa Sagrado’ng Kaminyoon, Pamilya Malungtaron,” which encourages unwed couples to avail of the project so their marriage will be solemnized in the church.

The wedding ceremony would be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Church from 8 o’clock in the morning until 12 noon and the reception will follow at the Grand Convention Center.

Those who wish to avail of the project are required to submit birth and baptismal certificates, residence and barangay certificates, Pre-Cana seminar, permit to marry from the parish church of the place where they reside, certificates of no marriage (Cenomar), appearance and consent if the parties are still 18 to 24 years of age.

The requirements shall be submitted not later than August 29, otherwise those who fail shall not be allowed to join the mass wedding. —/JMD (FREEMAN)