The local government urged married couples to reflect on the importance of the shared odyssey.
Coralie C. Dulnuan, Social Welfare and Development Officer 2 and focal person on family heads and other needy adults, said that it’s about recognizing that the strength of a union lies not only in the verbal affirmations of love but also in the unspoken understanding, the shared dreams and the countless small moments that build the complexity of life.
The city recently celebrated Marriage Week from February 7-14, 2024 with the theme ‘Love Beyond Words: You and I Forever.’
“We encourage you to engage in activities that strengthen the non-verbal connection with your partner. Whether it’s a simple shared gaze during a sunset, a truthful gesture, or a quiet moment of togetherness, let these moments speak volumes,” Dulnuan stressed.
Ordinance No. 10, series of 2017 institutionalized the celebration of Marriage Week in the city every February 7-14, 2024.
The Marriage Week campaign originated in the United Kingdom and is being observed by 26 countries. In Asia, it is only the Philippines that started to support it.
In 2019, Dulnuan disclosed that activities were carefully planned to jumpstart the Marriage Week celebration that included renewal of vows, print and media advocacy, marriage enrichment counseling, 7-day challenge, dinner dates of couples sponsored by participating business establishments.
Since then, it was a yearly endeavor but it was stopped in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city resumed implementing online activities and varied strategies to observe health protocols in 2022.
Duluan stipulated that there are already 204 couples who renewed their wedding vows and 96 couples underwent marriage enrichment counseling during the previous Marriage Week celebrations that had been done in the past.
She expressed her gratitude to everyone supporting the campaign and that may their week be filled with love that transcends words. By Dexter A. See