Quezon City, a highly urbanized city located in Metro Manila, is set to hold its second commitment ceremony for LGBTQ+ couples this February. Known as the “kasalang bayan”, which translates to “town wedding”, the mass wedding is an event where multiple couples exchange vows and celebrate their commitment to each other in a public setting.
The announcement was made by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on her official Twitter account. In her tweet, Mayor Belmonte shared her support for the LGBTQ+ community, stating that “Love has no limits. Love is universal. Love wins, always.” The commitment ceremony is part of Quezon City’s efforts to promote a gender-fair city where members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated with respect and equality.
Last year, the city government organized its first kasalang bayan for LGBTQ+ couples, which saw 222 couples participating in the event. Despite the fact that marriage or civil union for LGBTQ+ couples is not yet recognized in the Philippines, Mayor Belmonte served as an officiant and affirmed the couples’ love and commitment to each other.
This year’s commitment ceremony is spearheaded by the Office of the Mayor and the Gender and Development Council. Interested couples are required to submit their barangay certificates of residence, completed registration forms, pictures, and valid IDs to the GAD Council via email. Registration forms are available at mini city halls or action offices in the city’s six districts, namely: 176 E. Beltran Street in the barangay of Katipunan (District 1); the second floor of Disaster Building, Barangay Hall, in the barangay of Commonwealth (District 2); 25 Calderon Street, in the barangay of Marilag (District 3); between Scout Reyes and Scout Chuatoco streets, in the barangay of Paligsahan (District 4); Novaliches District Center (District 5); and Sanville Multi-Purpose Hall, in the barangay of Culiat (District 6).
The kasalang bayan is a significant event for the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, where they continue to face discrimination and prejudice. While the country’s constitution recognizes the equal rights of all citizens, there is still no law that permits same-sex marriage or civil unions. This means that LGBTQ+ couples are not granted the same legal rights and benefits as heterosexual couples, such as inheritance and healthcare benefits.
However, events like the kasalang bayan provide a glimmer of hope for the LGBTQ+ community, as they are given the opportunity to publicly declare their love and commitment to each other. It is a step towards greater acceptance and inclusivity for the community, and Quezon City’s commitment to organizing such an event sends a strong message of support to LGBTQ+ Filipinos.
