BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Love knows no bounds.
Four couples, five of them persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), tied the knot in a ceremony held inside the Baguio City Jail-Male Dormitory (BCJ-MD) on Valentine’s Day.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong officiated the wedding and witnessed by their families, fellow PDLs and selected guests.
Philippine Statistics Authority-Benguet Chief Statistical Specialist Imelda Buyuccan Baguio City Civil Registry Office Chief Allan Abayao served as principal sponsors.
The couples, one pair both PDLs, experienced the traditional wedding ceremonies including cutting the cake, wedding toast, and the first dance as husband and wife.
Different organizations sponsored the marriage behind bars from catering services to grooming services, wedding design, and the gifts.
“The purpose of this event, kasalan behind bars ay para mas mapagtibay ang relasyon ng bawat isa, lalo na yung mga partners nila ay nasa labas, at para naman walang pagdududa ang kanilang relationship,” said BCJ-MD Warden Jail Chief Inspector John Wayland Lapon.
“Despite our circumstances and situation, binigay ninyo ang mga pangarap namin—iyon ay ang makasal sa mahal namin sa buhay,” one bride said as she expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the marriage possible.
This was not the first time PDLs were given the chance to affirm their love inside the correctional facility.
“Last year meron din po tayong kasalan na ganito. Nagkaroon ng evaluation, tiningnan namin kung sino ang qualified na PDL po natin para sila po ay sasalang sa mga requirements ng kasal,” Lapon said.
This event can change the perspective of the people inside the Baguio City Jail on how they see things given their circumstances. It’s a symbol of second chances and a fresh start, he added.
He assured that as long as there’s love and hope, this project will be sustained.
The wedding at the jail is also part of the celebration of Civil Registration Month this February. [JDP/DEG/Chelsea Mas- PIA-SLU Intern]
