Nine Couples United in the Sacrament of Marriage at UIC Kasalan ng Bayan 2025

Davao City – December 15, 9:00 a.m. — Years of hope, waiting, and perseverance were crowned with joy as nine (9) couples were formally united in the Sacrament of Matrimony during the Kasalan ng Bayan sponsored and conducted by the University of the Immaculate Conception – Basic Education Department (UIC BED) and its partners, on December 15 at the Our Lady of Peace Hall, Bajada Campus.

The Eucharistic Celebration and wedding rites were presided over by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, who expressed his deep gratitude and happiness to UIC, particularly its administration, for initiating a Kasalan ng Bayan. The Archbishop shared that he personally requested to preside over the Mass, as he was truly pleased that a private and Catholic institution like UIC continues to carry out meaningful pastoral and sacramental initiatives for the community.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles emphasized the value of the Kasalan ng Bayan as a concrete expression of the Church’s care for couples who have long been living together, giving them the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Marriage, together with God’s grace and blessings. He commended UIC for a celebration that was well-organized, with excellent preparation and a beautiful and reverent liturgy. He likewise praised the choir, noting their harmonious voices and heartfelt singing, which added solemnity and joy to the celebration.

The Archbishop reminded the newlyweds that marriage is a lifelong communion of love, calling them to unity, mutual understanding, and fidelity until the end of their lives. He clearly distinguished Church marriage from civil marriage, explaining that while marriages before a judge can be dissolved, a marriage celebrated in the Church cannot be separated by anyone except death, for it is God Himself who unites the couple.

With warmth and joy, Archbishop Valles congratulated the couples on their marriage, highlighting the care, beauty, and depth of preparation they had received. He also expressed sincere appreciation for the students, faculty, administration, PTA, and staff of UIC, whose collaboration made the Kasalan ng Bayan 2025 a truly successful event.

Beyond the liturgical celebration, the Kasalan ng Bayan was made possible through the generous sponsorships and active participation of the UIC community and its partners. Students extended their support through cash and in-kind donations, as well as through various services, including food service, cake baking as wedding gifts for the couples, bouquet-making for the nine brides, hair and make-up services, and table skirting and setting.

The faculty, staff, and TDEVs also provided invaluable services by handling the physical setup and decorations, as well as collaborating closely with students in food preparation. Strong support likewise came from the PTA and Basic Education Alumni, who provided financial assistance and donations to ensure the dignity and success of the celebration.

Adding to the spirit of community partnership, the Buhangin Barangay captain and council joined the celebration as partners, further affirming the communal nature of the event.

The Kasalan ng Bayan of UIC BED stands as a living witness to the school’s mission to serve the community, strengthen families, and uphold the sacramental life of the Church—a celebration not only of nine couples’ love, but of a community united in faith, service, and compassion. (Dr. Nora Jovina Albores & Ms. Flordelis Sedo)