Philippine marriages increased by 50% in 2021 compared to 2020

The number of registered marriages in the Philippines increased by almost 50% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Based on PSA data, there were at least 356,839 marriages registered in 2021 compared to 240,775 in 2020.

The increase was possibly due to the easing of quarantine restrictions.

Of the total number of registered marriages in 2021, at least 39.6%, or more than 140,000 couples chose to get married in a civil ceremony.

Meanwhile, most weddings were in December, June, May, and February.

Most newlyweds were 25 to 29 years of age.

Meanwhile, at least 63 couples got married in a mass civil wedding ceremony in San Juan City.

Single mother Jesusa Amos-Fetalvero, 51, got married to her 26-year-old boyfriend Dennis Fetalvero after six years of being together, according to Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday.

Dennis' parents, however, were not in favor of their relationship at first.

“Yung una nagtampo sila, nagalit, ayaw nila sa mapapangasawa ko kasi malayo talaga ang agwat namin eh,” Dennis said.

(They were against it at first. They sulked, got angry, they didn't like my fiancé because there was a big age difference.) 

“Madalas po kaming napagkakamalan na mag ina, especially sa sasakyan sa jeep, sa bus, ganun lagi. Sabi ng mother niya bakit yung sa may edad pa marami naman dyan na mas bata. Naalala ko, pero ok naman ako,” Jesusa said.

(We're often mistaken to be mother-and-son, especially on jeeps, the bus, all the time. His mother said, "Why does it have to be someone older? There are a lot of younger women." I remember this, but I'm doing OK.) 

Despite the age difference, the couple decided to get married in a civil ceremony.

“Kasi napakabuti niya eh mabait, 100% hinding hindi kita iiwanan sa hirap at ginhawa,” Dennis said.

(She's a good person, kind. A hundred percent, I won't leave you, in good times or bad.)

“Siya naman pinaglaban niya ako. Iba pa rin yung legal, iba pa rin yung legal na nagsasama,” Jesusa said.

(He stood by me. It's important that you do things right, it makes a difference if you are together legally.)

Several couples also got married in a mass civil ceremony in Dapitan City, Cavite City, Bataan, and Isabela.

Many of them were just waiting for a mass civil ceremony or “Kasalang Bayan” due to budget limitations.

“Mas praktikal,” Jesusa said.

(It's a practical way to get married.)

“Mahal po namin yung isa’t isa and alam na namin sa sarili namin na kami na talaga,” another couple said.

(We love each other, and we know deep inside that we belong together.)

Meanwhile, most weddings were in December, June, May, and February. — DVM, GMA Integrated News