City Concludes ‘Marriage Enrichment Retreat’

As a culminating activity of the 21st National Family Week celebration this year, the Cebu City Government headed by Mayor Michael Rama through its Cebu City Women’s and Family Affairs Commission (CCWFAC) has recently conducted a “Marriage Enrichment Retreat” at the Cebu City Social Hall.

At least fifty (50) couple out of the 133 couples who are beneficiaries of the city’s 7th Mass Wedding held in September 2012 attended the “Marriage Enrichment Retreat”.

The activity featured respected speakers who tackled the following topics: 1.) Serving God through Christian Marriage; 2.) The Role of a Christian Husband and The Role of the Christian Wife; 3.) Effective Communication in Marriage; 4.) Building Our Homes for God, Pray-Over for Healing Husband/Wife; and 5.) Pray for Forgiveness, Pray-Over for Empowerment.

Amid his busy schedule, Mayor Rama graced the activity and encouraged the couple to always pray to strengthen their faith to God to build a strong family. He further urged them to take good care of their children, citing that, ”The jewel of every parents is their children, teach them well, nga ang atong mga anak dili mamahimong biktima sa atong pagka way buot.”

The Mayor is very supportive of the activities and programs of the city that will help every Cebuano families to make their lives better. This included the city’s Mass Wedding with the aim to bind and unite those who wanted that their relationship will have a blessing from the church especially those who cannot afford the expenses of a traditional Church Wedding; the city’s scholarship program with the aim to have a college graduate for every family; and the livelihood programs, among several others.

Meanwhile, bearing the theme, “Unity Across Generations: A Strong Family, A Strong Society,” the CCWFAC has lined-up activities for the week-long celebration of the 21st National Family Week.

In an interview with BARUGG News CCWFAC Executive Director Marie Bongato has shared that they have conducted Livelihood Trainings, Wellness Programs, Medical Mission and the Marriage Enrichment Retreat for this year in line with the said celebration.

Bongato revealed that supposedly their culminating activity will be a Mass Wedding, however its budget which is included in the CCWFAC annual budget proposal has been deferred by the City Council thus they opted to have the Marriage Enrichment Retreat.

“Amo na ni giapil sa Supplemental Budget unya kung maaproban ni, maybe we can hold the 8th Mass Wedding on December 2013,” Bongato enthuses, adding that the participants of the ‘Marriage Enrichment Retreat’ are the beneficiaries of the 7th Mass Wedding to refresh and enlighten their marriage life and that they are selected based on their availability and those who confirmed that they can attend.(By: Greggy Jiggs P. Senados, PIO Staff)