SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 25 (PIA)  – Love and legal recognition bloomed for 35 couples in Balaoan, La Union, as they tied the knot for free in the town's "Kasalang Bayan" program on Feb. 22 at the Balaoan Farmers Civic Center. 

The ceremony, held during Civil Registration Month, fulfilled a dream for couples already living together but facing economic hurdles to formalize their union. 

This initiative highlights Balaoan's commitment to supporting social development and strengthening families.

In her message, Mayor Aleli Concepcion said a number of the couples who availed of the program have already been living together for years. 

“Binabati ko po ang mga bagong kasal sa bayan ng Balaoan. Nawa’y maging masaya at matiwasay ang kanilang pagsasama habang-buhay,” Mayor Concepcion said.  (Congratulations to the newlywed couples of our town Balaoan. May you live happily ever after.)

She added that more than the couples, it is their children who will benefit most from the union. 

Through the program, children of newlywed couples may now change their status to legitimate.

According to Article 165 of the Family Code of the Philippines, children conceived and born outside a valid marriage are illegitimate unless otherwise provided in the code. 

The local executive served as the marriage officiant in the town’s “Kasalang Bayan,” with other local officials and the Municipal Civil Registry Department Head serving as witnesses. 

During the wedding ceremony, the newlywed couples were also feted with a money dance to make the occasion more memorable. 

Each couple was also given a cash gift from the local government. 

Meanwhile, the LGU gave special awards to the oldest groom, Samuel Ortiz, 50, and his long-time partner, 45-year-old Violeta Ordanza. 

 The couple, who has eight children, lived together for 28 years before they got married.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil naging daan po kayo para makamit namin ang aming dream wedding ng libre,” Ortiz said. (Thank you [mayor] for being a way in fulfilling our dream wedding for free.) (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)