Pag IBIG spearheads “Kasalang Bayan”

By Analiza S. Macatangay

Wednesday 15th of February 2012

NAGA CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Coinciding with the celebration of the day of the hearts, 148 couples exchanged their long over-due “I dos” at SM City Naga spearheaded by the Home Development Mutual Fund or most commonly called Pag-IBIG Fund, yesterday.

Dubbed as “I do. I do. Araw ng Pag-Ibig,” the occasion legally united the couples, particularly those who had been living in one roof for a long period of time without the sacrament of marriage, which in most cases, are due to financial incapability.

Pag-IBIG Naga Office assistant manager Bert Salvoza said that this says much about their office -- it is not only concerned with housing matters but also looks after the moral aspect of their clients and beneficiaries.

“We are happy with the turn out of participation, which means that most of our members are actually contemplating to settle as legal couples but were being hindered by financial considerations to do it. This is what Kasalang Bayan is all about – giving our members a chance to become a legitimate part of the community so that they can also avail of the benefits entitled to them,” Salvoza added.

Salvoza was referring to various program of PAG IBIG Fund that couples can avail of once they are legally married. This would also contribute to the prompt processing of needed documents in availing various Pag IBIG Fund benefits. They can also enjoy Pag-IBIG’s short-term programs including various loans on housing, calamity, and multi-purpose loans.

Seventy percent of the couples who availed of the free mass wedding came from Naga City while the rest came from the neighboring towns of Camarines Sur. The oldest couple who tied the knot is 84 years old.

Judge Jaime Contreras of the Branch 25 Regional Trial Court in Naga City officiated the wedding; DILG Sec Jesse M. Robredo was one of the main guests.

The same event happened simultaneously in various SM branches in the country, particularly in Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan De Oro. (MAL/LSMacatangay, PIA-Camarines Sur)