28 Couples Wed in PhilHealth Congress July 19, 2011

Twenty-eight (28) couples were wed on Friday July 8 in a congress of PhilHealth beneficiaries in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat.

The "Kasalan ng Bayan" was the highlight of the 3rd PhilHealth Congress that Isulan Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue annually holds for the local government unit-sponsored constituents enrolled in PhilHealth.

"Since March 16 this year, 227 couples have already availed of the free wedding service, which the mayor hopes will solve their problems regarding documentary requirements among indigents," Joenard Gotong, chairman of Barangay Kenram said.

"We are privileged to have free PhilHealth coverage and avail ourselves of this mass wedding which entitled us to free marriage license from the Local Civil Registrar, free wedding rites, affidavit of cohabitation, and sponsors' fee, plus a gift from Mayor Pallasigue," said Juliban Lauba who married Jocelyn de la Cruz during the congress.

PhilHealth XII Field Operations Division Chief, Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag said the agency is proud of Pallasigue's unique practices for his sponsored members.

Isulan is the only municipality in Region XII that gathers its sponsored beneficiaries, she said.

During the first congress, Pallasigue gathered the beneficiaries for a family day. Last year, he launched a project that provided stickers to identify the PhilHealth beneficiaries of the municipality.

At the ceremonies, Pallasigue reminded the newly-weds: "I hope this wedding will not end in separation. Keep sharing time together especially in prayer. Also do not forget to share your time, talent, and treasures with your communities and environment."

He also challenged the sponsors to guide the couples as they begin their journey in life together legally. (PHILHEALTH XII)