16 couples exchanged I do’s in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Sixteen couples tied the knots and exchanged vows for free through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Aklan dubbed “Kasalang Bayan” on August 18.

The mass civil wedding ceremony for newlyweds were solemnized at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center by Executive Judge Marietta Homena of the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo, Aklan.

Wedding cakes, lechon, gowns and barongs, wines, filing and notarial fees for marriage contract of the marginalized couples are also free, said Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) focal person Anna Paloma.

The mass wedding drew young and old unwed couples from the town of Batan with four couples, Lezo with three, Kalibo and Balete with two couples each while Buruanga, Banga, Altavas, Nabas, and Malinao had one couple each during the mass wedding. 

The oldest couple in the mass wedding is aged 57 and 54 years old. The youngest couple, 26 and 22, has been living for two years.    

“This is the first time that we organized the Kasalang Bayan, supported by the provincial government of Aklan and the Congressional District Office in celebration of Family Day and Provincial Parent Effectiveness Congress,” Paloma said. 

The Kasalang Bayan seeks to provide marginalized couples who are unable to afford the requirements of a church or civil wedding ceremony the opportunity to get married for free.