1,300 couples tie knot at Bonifacio Monument

Some 1,300 previously unwed couples officially tied the knot yesterday, Valentine’s Day, in a mass wedding at the historic Bonifacio Monument Circle (BMC) in Caloocan City.

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri, main sponsor and officiating minister, solemnized the union of the couples at the Kasalang Bayan at 4 p.m. in Monumento.

The occasion is part of several activities highlighting the celebration of the city’s 44th founding anniversary tomorrow.

The Civil Registry Department (CRD) of City Hall registered Sergio Bernabe, 72 and his partner of over 20 years, Helen Escorez, 51, as the oldest couple with Marvin Lambinico, 18 and girlfriend Maricon Serquina, 19, as the youngest, in this year’s batch of newlyweds.

"Kapag kasal ang mag-asawa sa mata ng tao at ng Diyos, nagiging mas matibay ang pundasyon ng kanilang pag-iibigan. Tamang-tama dahil sa Araw ng mga Puso idinaos ang kanilang pag-iisang dibdib," said Echieverri adding he was glad that more and more unwed couples in the city are getting their union finally legalized.

The mayor said he is aware that many couples want or have been planning for a long time to get officially married, but usually are prevented from doing so by expenses.

At the wedding, the mayor once more stressed the importance of a strong family being the foundation of society.

"Kahit sino pa ang maging alkalde ng Caloocan, kahit pa si US President George Bush, hindi aasenso ang bayan kung watak-watak ang pamilya. Kapag maayos ang pamilya, maayos ang lipunan, maayos ang lungsod, ang buong bayan," Echiverri said.

At the mayor’s initiative, some 2,300 couples were wed at the Kasalang Bayan held last year with the help of the CRD.

The CRD reported that aside from free marriage services, the city government also facilitates the documentation of the couples’ children.

Echiverri reminded the newlyweds that their union should not stop in the ceremony but, more importantly, they must put their hearts and minds into if for the happiness of their families and for the future of their children.

Meanwhile, it will be a special non-working holiday tomorrow in Caloocan as the city celebrates its 44th founding anniversary.

Echiverri said Republic Act 7550 declares Feb. 16 a special non-working holiday in Caloocan to give residents a chance to participate in commemoration day activities.

He said that the highlight of the program is the coronation of Miss Caloocan 2006 to be held at the BMC in Monumento.

"Our celebration will be more meaningful if residents can join us in the activities," Echiverri said

Caloocan was declared a city on Feb. 16, 1962.