• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The tradition continues for engaged couples in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, to participate in mangrove growing activities and coastal clean-up at the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail, before an annual mass wedding.
These activities were among the requirements of the Local Civil Registrar’s Office (LCRO) headed by Mercedes Recla as part of the pre-Valentine mass wedding of 29 couples on February 12, which started during the administration of Mayor Marvin Malacon, and was continued by his predecessor and son, Matthew Louis Malacon.The engaged couples planted 800 mangrove trees.
The initiative symbolizes the harmonious union of love and environmental stewardship, which is supported by the younger Malacon, according to Recla.
It also carries forward the 8-year mangrove-growing legacy established during the term of his father — strengthening our coastlines, while nurturing a greener, more hopeful future, she added.
The 29 couples yesterday exchanged “I do’s” in the 25th Valentine’s mass wedding officiated by Mayor Matt Malacon at the newly-renovated Wilkinson Social Court in E.B. Magalona.
The mass wedding rites was attended by members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Marvin Malacon and a representative of the Philippine Statistics Authority.*
