House Speaker Romualdez and PNP Chief Marbil among the ‘ninongs’
TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8, under the leadership of B/Gen.Reynaldo Pawid hosted a mass wedding ceremony dubbed “Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso” for 50 couples at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño, this city, on June 29, 2024.
The 50 couples included police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs), three non-uniformed personnel (NUP), one member of the Philippine Army, 46 civilians entered into matrimony during a wedding rite officiated by Rev. Fr. Major Rhey Dollesin, the regional pastoral officer of PRO 8.
In his homily, Dollesin highlighted the sanctity of marriage, encouraging the couples to reflect on the essence of matrimony as a path to a lifelong union and commitment to their soulmates.
“Draw strength and purpose from the family you build. Commit to something greater than yourselves and create a marriage that fosters growth and prosperity. Ang kasal ay tanggulan ng lakas mo, at ito’y pagbabasbas mula sa Diyos at hindi lang isang kapirasong papel,” he said.
PNP Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil along Leyte congressman and House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda Romualdez of the Tingog party-list and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez served as the principal sponsors.
Pawid extended his gratitude for the resounding success of the mass wedding rites as he praised the initiative as a model program.
“This momentous occasion is a testament to the unwavering love and commitment of our police officers, etching itself into the history of our regional police force and reminding us of the strength at the core of our organization,” the police regional director said.
“To our newlyweds, may your love for each other grow stronger with each passing day. Make God the center of your unity and let Him guide you on this journey of love and commitment,” he added.
The “Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso” is a yearly mass wedding ceremony held twice each year since February 2022.
It was initiated by Marbil during his tenure as the police regional director of PRO 8, stemming from his desire to provide PRO 8 personnel with the blessing of matrimony.
Meanwhile, a traditional reception was held at the RTR Medical Foundation College Gymnasium which included the grand entrance of the newlyweds, wedding rituals (cake slicing, parade of wines, wine toasting), and a same-day edit audio-visual presentation.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
