Laoac LGU launches “Ma-tree-mony” | A new distinctive and meaningful way of conducting civil weddings.
“Ma-tree-mony” is a brainchild of the Town Father, Honorable Mayor Silverio Alarcio, Jr. “I want our Laoac weddings to be special, more memorable. I want it also to be symbolic of a lot of things that we stand for… such as caring for our environment.”
And so it is that, instead of the usual wedding ceremonies previously held at the munisipyo, Laoac now has a wholly distinctive and meaningful way of conducting civil weddings. Two things that set it apart: the pair of bakya upon each of which is written the name of the bride and the groom; and, the pair of mahogany seedlings from the Mayor’s own nursery which is his gift to the newlyweds.
“The bakya is an enduring industry in Laoac. It has been here even when I was still a little kid. It is symbolic of our wish that, like the bakya, the weddings we administer at Laoac will also stand the test of time… that their love for each other will endure.”
“Tinawag din naming itong “Ma-tree-mony” because, after the official wedding ceremony, we ask the newlyweds to plant a tree on a previously dug hole within the Municipal Hall grounds”.
“There are actually two trees”, the Mayor continues. “We ask the newlyweds to plant the remaining tree in their place of residence. In time, when they have kids, the father can point to the tree in their yard and tell their child, ‘Anak, may kakambal ang puno na yan. Nasa munisipyo ng Laoac. Dun kasi kami kinasal ng mama mo. Maganda ang konsepto di ba? Mas may meaning.”, the Mayor seriously adds.
Indeed, governance is difficult, especially for a 4th-Class Municipality such as Laoac. Yet, with creative and innovative minds, what is typical can be improved and made into a wholly meaningful affair, such as the civil weddings that are done in Laoac.
“It’s heartwarming, really to see that the people, especially our brides and grooms have no qualms about doing the tree-planting thing. Even if the bride is clad in a Traje de Boda and the groom in matching Barong Tagalog, they will just up and grab the shovel and plant the tree, even under the searing heat of the morning sun. I marvel at their spirit… such is the Lawakenian spirit, and I will always be proud of that,” the visionary Mayor finishes.
[...] pair of mahogany seedlings from the Mayor’s own nursery which is his gift to the newlyweds. Click here for full [...]