OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)–Unfazed by the recent incidents in Misamis Occidental, Senator Francis Tolentino attended as a guest speaker and also stood as “godfather” to 201 couple beneficiaries in the province’s “Kasalan sa Kapitolyo,” or mass wedding ceremony, held at the Bay Front Arena in Oroquieta City on November 8.
In his remarks, Tolentino stressed the importance of such gatherings for the province, which also pushes for the unity of the people and the provincial government.
“Napakahalaga ng pagtitipon nito sa ikakasal, napakahalaga din po sa lalawigan ng Misamis Occidental dahil sa 2029, 100 years na kayo. Bihira po ang umaabot ng 100 years na meron napapakitang pagkakaisa, meron napapakitang kaunlaran, kaya tamang tama po yung inyong tema na Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon [This gathering is very important for the bride and groom; it is also very important in the province of Misamis Occidental because, in 2029, you will be 100 years old. It’s rare to reach 100 years where there is unity and development, so your theme, Misamisnon living peacefully, progressively, and joyfully],” he told the couples.
Tolentino expressed hope that the next six years for the province will pave the way for more progress and development, not only for the provincial government but also for the Misamisnons.
“Marami tayong kinahaharap at lahat yan sa tingin ko ay magkakaroon ng kalutasan kung atin lang pong iisipin iwaglit muna ‘yang politika, kung ating iisipin ‘yung [We are facing a lot of problems, and I think that all of that will be solved if we only think about avoiding politics first, if we will think about] what is in order is for the leadership and the leaders of this country, from the countryside to the urban areas, to really have one vision and unite,” the senator said.
A total of 201 couples from all 14 municipalities and 3 cities in the province were wed in Kasalan sa Kapitolyo.
Each couple also received a P20,000 cash gift and a wedding cake from Governor Henry Oaminal and the provincial government.
Tolentino, who was the guest of honor and one of the major sponsors of the mass wedding, also provided gifts to the newlyweds.
The provincial government facilitated this year’s mass wedding rites, dubbed “Kasalan sa Kapitolyo 2023,” which were provided free for qualified couple beneficiaries.
During his nine years serving as the province’s second district congressman, Oaminal promoted the wedding event under the name Kasalan ng Bayan.
When he assumed gubernatorial office last year, Oaminal expanded the program throughout the province of Misamis Occidental so that more people could avail of the benefits.
Oaminal’s primary goal in pushing the program is to give marginalized Misamisnons chances to have a decent wedding. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
A total of 201 couples from all 14 municipalities and 3 cities in the province were wed in the Kasalan sa Kapitolyo, or mass wedding ceremony, held at the Bay Front Arena in Oroquieta City on November 8, 2023. (PGMO)
A total of 201 couples from all 14 municipalities and 3 cities in the province were wed in the Kasalan sa Kapitolyo, or mass wedding ceremony, held at the Bay Front Arena in Oroquieta City on November 8, 2023. (PGMO)
A total of 201 couples from all 14 municipalities and 3 cities in the province were wed in the Kasalan sa Kapitolyo, or mass wedding ceremony, held at the Bay Front Arena in Oroquieta City on November 8, 2023. (PGMO)
