Marriage is a sacrament. As a sacrament, it is a sign not only of the love of the couple for each other, but of the love of God for the couple and the love of God for his people.
Many couples dream of receiving the blessing of the church to officially become husband and wife. However, with the price tags attached to weddings nowadays, some opt to go for more practical options such as a Kasalang Bayan.
Thus, the Kasalan sa Kooperatiba was borne. It started in 2016 as a program initiated by the Gender and Development which chooses couples who had been living together or were already blessed with children. Some had wed in civil ceremonies, while others tied the knot for the very first time—but all wanting to make the vow as husband and wife in front of God.
“Make [your wedding] a real celebration — because marriage is a celebration — a Christian celebration, not a worldly feast!” Pope Francis said to engaged couples in Rome in 2014. “Some are more concerned with the exterior details, with the banquet, the photographs, the clothes, the flowers…These are important for a celebration, but only if they point to the real reason for your joy: the Lord’s blessing on your love.”
For longtime couples who still haven’t wed in church—but have been planning and wishing to—budget has always been a major roadblock. It is also a major aspiration of Barbaza MPC to provide opportunity for members to recognize and appreciate the unique bond between husband and wife (na walang iisiping gastusin).
The Kasalan sa Kooperatiba is an annual event sponsored by Barbaza MPC as a form of social service under the facilitation of the Gender and Development Committee. The coop is committed to take on all the expenses from the payment for required seminars, provision of the rings and arrays, decorations and church charges, cakes and simple luncheon.
This year, the Kasalan sa Kooperatiba was held in Sibalom, Antique, under the supervision of the Barbaza MPC Sibalom Branch, headed by the Branch Manager Mr. Rey Tocoyo. Last November 28, 2020, 13 couples received the Sacrament of Marriage in the Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church, namely:
1. JOVELYN PAGAPULAN & REY MEMEJE
2. JENELYN YANDOG & EDGAR MORILLO
3. ANABELLE FADRILLAN & JULIUS MORILLO
4. GERDA VILLEJO & RONALD NAQUITA
5. MAYLEN ALCOBILLA & REX DIONISIO
6. MARLYN VICENTE & ROMEL MORGA
7. PRECIOS DEVELOS & JENEL PUYONG
8. TERESA RONQUILLO & JULIUS SANCHA
9. ANGELI ROWEE TALADOCON & JEROME YANDOG
10. ANNA ROSE VIDAL & RONNEE BLANCO
11. ARVIE GRACE AURELIO & JEROME MELECIO
12. SARAH JANE SERDEÑA & JOHN MARK BALEÑA
13. NOVELYN CABAYA & ALFIE FETIZA’
After the ceremony, the couples and guests proceed in the the reception which is in DJ Cloud Inland Resort. Wedding message was given by Vice Governor of the Province, Hon. Edgar Denosta. Other guests includes Director Feliza Necesario, Director Eugene Molina and committee officers Miss Ponciana Vegafria and Mr. Aldrex Barrientos.
