Some 50 couples in Navotas celebrate Valentine’s Day in a more special way this year as they gathered to exchange vows in a ‘Kasalang Bayan’ as their families and friends bore witness to their love.
Mayor John Rey Tiangco, together with Rep. Toby Tiangco and Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, led the ceremony.
Also present in the event were Councilors Neil Cruz, Arnel Lupisan, Alfredo Vicencio, Jack Santiago and Alvin Nazal; former councilor Eddie Maño; Junior Chamber International-Navotas Chapter President Migi Naval; Navotas Clutch player RV Vicencio; and youth representative CJ Santos.
Of the couples who were joined in matrimony, a pair stood out as their relationship was already fortified by 17 years of living together. Jose Rodrigo Burgos, 56, and Araceli Hidalgo, 54, exchanged ‘I dos’ as their five children looked on contentedly.
Tiangco, in his speech, said he was more than happy to once again lend a helping hand to couples of different ages and stories, and from different walks of life.
“Some of these couples have been living together for more than 10 years. Tatay Jose and Nanay Araceli almost made it to 20. They had been through many highs and lows, but they were able to withstand and endure it all. It is my honor to finally solemnize and legalize their union,” he said.
The mayor encouraged the newlyweds to devotedly believe in their love for each other as they continue on their journey as a married couple and as responsible parents for their children.
“The love that brought the two of you together, the love that made you marry each other, the love that gave you beautiful children, use that love to stay faithful and true. Use that love to give your children a complete and happy family for as long as you can,” Tiangco said.
The mass wedding is a bi-annual event of the Navotas City Government, which is held in line with Valentine’s Day and the cityhood anniversary of Navotas.