A total of 33 couples got married in the Taguig City's “Kasalang Bayan” held on June 24.

“Ang main objective ng Kasalang Bayan is makasal ang mga taong nagsasamang walang bendisyon ng kasal para unang-una ang kanilang mga anak ay maging lehitimo (The main objective of the Kasalang Bayan is to marry people who have been living together without the blessing of marriage in order for their children to be legitimate),” said Cynthia Torres-Ignacio, officer-in-charge of the Taguig Civil Registry Office, in a weekly video report by the city government.

She said the main target of “Kasalang Bayan” are residents who are financially incapable of getting married.

The “Kasalang Bayan” was held at the Lakeshore Tent in Barangay Lower Bicutan in Taguig.

The couples received different items for the ceremony including bouquet of flowers for the bride, boutonnière for the groom, wedding coins, wedding candles, and souvenir cake.

They were also given a sack of rice and a health package containing one bottle of alcohol, a box of surgical masks, and a box of ascorbic acid.

Torres-Ignacio said her office conducts “Kasalang Bayan” four times a year but due to the pandemic, it was deferred.

Gracelyn and Nico Bongalonta were one of the 33 couples who got married in the ceremony.

“Ito 'yung parangap naming dalawa. Mapagtagumpayan kasi may mga trials na dumating sa amin. Ngayong kasal na kami, bagong yugto ng buhay (This is what we dreamed of. To triumph because there were many trials that came our way. Now that we are married, this is a new chapter in our lives),” said Nico.

Gracelyn said, “Kung hindi sa Kasalang Bayan, di kami makakasal (If not for the Kasalang Bayan, we would not be able to get married).”

The best-dressed couple and couple with the longest period of cohabitation were given prizes. All the attendees were required to wear face masks as part of the health protocols.