LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – A total of 446 couples who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this year received a P10,000 as cash incentive for staying together from the provincial government of Albay.
“A strong family is the foundation of happy and progressive communities. That’s why the provincial government wants to incentivize these legal unions through these programs,” Albay Gov. Edcel Lagman said.
Lagman said the celebration was an inspiration and reminder for younger married couples to stay faithful and deeply in love with each other.
“My own grandparents also reached their 50 years of marriage in 1991. For us, younger couples, it’s inspiring and reinforcing to see mature couples with faith and respect to each other. You are our models,” he said.
A total of 446 couples who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this year received a P10,000 from the provincial government of Albay as cash incentive for staying together. (Photo from Albay Provincial Information Office)
Under the “May Forever sa Albay Ordinance,” each married couple who reach the 50-year mark and are still living together will get a P10,000 cash incentive from the provincial government.
“The ordinance was created to celebrate the five decades of married life. This ordinance aims to further strengthen and give importance to the families as an important unit of our society,” Vice Gov. Glenda Ong-Bongao, author of the ordinance, said.
Marriage, as a lifetime commitment and responsibility, is a journey that couples must endure together, she added.
“They say that the real measure of marriage is not happiness but commitment. You don’t quit just because you are sad or you only want happiness. You get married not because you are very happy but you are ready to fight for your family even in times when it is very hard to look for happiness,” she said.
A strong family is the foundation of happy and progressive communities, said Albay Governor Edcel Lagman. (Photo from Albay PIO)
Understanding, acceptance and contentment are keys to a happy and enduring marriage, said the couple Manuel and Adela Ricario of Bagumbayan, Oas who celebrated their 50th anniversary on April 28. They have six children and both are former teachers.
“To understand and respect each other is very important. If the other is angry, the other should be calm. There should be give and take,” Manuel said.
“Be contented. Live within your income. Avoid debts since it is usually the cause of quarrels,” Adela said.
Monsignor Ramon Tronqued, who officiated the couple’s’ renewal of vows, in his homily said there was one condition to reach forever.
“There is forever, on one condition, if we hold on to Him who is forever. We are praying that your 50 years will become forever. May God be with you,” he said. (PIA 5/ Albay)
