By ISAGANI PALMA
MALUNGON, Sarangani (August 9, 2011) – Mayor Reynaldo Constantino presided over a mass wedding ceremony to some 194 Blaan and Tagakaolo couples living in tribal villages of sitio Dalamuan in barangay Lutay.
“I am doing these (tribal weddings) in a desire to legalize the marital status of the underprivileged, specifically those who have been living together, bore siblings, and yet deprived of the different government benefits such as the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and PhilHealth care due to the lack of required documents (marriage contract),” said the half-blooded Blaan mayor of Malungon.
Lydia Erasmo, the town’s local civil registrar, said the event was colorful as the indigenous people (IP) couples came in traditional dress.
“The brides have almost completely adorned themselves with different T’nalak inspired accessories,” Erasmo said.
The mass wedding on August 4 was part of Mayor Constantino’s “Lingap sa Barangay” outreach program by local government offices which provide people living in the far-flung communities with basic and social services.
“Through this undertaking, I would be able to personally assess and take action on my people’s plight. And likewise, let them feel that what they have today is a subsisting, yet firmer kind of leadership that knows no boundaries in the name of public service,” Constantino said.
Dalamuan, a village predominantly by the Tagakaolo tribe which means “people of the mountain tops”, is located on the crest of a mountain along the Davao del Sur and Sarangani border.
Lanosa Quima, 57, after consummating the authenticity of his marriage with wife Bleng, said “it is quite hard to believe that I and my 37-year old eldest son Ruben have just stood right before the mayor to both receive our matrimonial blessings.”
The elder Lanosas, who have been together for over 40 years, are blessed with 10 children. (Isagani P. Palma/MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE)
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