Plant first-license next scheme for couples in Tubungan

By Florence F. Hibionada, correspondent

Want to get married? Or specifically, want to get married in Tubungan, Iloilo? Start then by learning the 'tricks' and trades of keeping a lifetime of commitment. Prepare for a lifetime of union and partnership. Save and be ready for a lifetime of "better and worse" situations. And yes most importantly, plant at least two fruit-bearing trees in your respective barangays of residence within the municipality.

Such became the latest addition in the regular set of pre-requisites in seeking for a marriage license in said southern Iloilo town. With some minor hitches prior to its ultimate approval in the Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP), the 'plant first-license next' scheme passed during Tuesday's regular session at the Capitol.

Tubungan, Iloilo was to be the latest addition in the growing number of Iloilo towns to adapt to this unique environment-friendly drive of the local government units.

The News Today learned that other Iloilo towns with similar practice include Guimbal, Dumangas, Alimodian and Badiangan.

Guimbal Mayor Richard Garin explained though that for their part, the planting of fruit-bearing trees comes only as an "encouragement" and will not actually prevent anybody from securing a marriage license. But since it was added as a marriage license 'requirement,' the mayor said the response has been all positive with most prospective bride and groom all-too-happy to comply.

In fact, he continued, the seedlings planted in the barangays and roadside or turned-over to the town's environment and natural office are far more than what is asked of them. While two fruit-bearing seedlings are fine, new couples would plant or give double.

The Tubungan approval came following the final nod the town officials sought for its municipal ordinance. Board Member Domingo Oso, chair of the Committee on Ordinances, Legal Matters and Inter-Government Relations moved for the SP body's support in a committee report that found the matter valid and within the Tubungan municipal council's power to promulgate such.

It met brief resistance though from Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. who aired his concern over the new requirement but later conceeded to the majority's yes stance. Board Member Mac Napulan for his part sought clarification on how the fruit-bearing trees will be cared and maintained. After all, the fruit trees like everybody's marriage, Board Member Napulan pointed out, needs to be nurtured.

So want to get married in Tubungan? Start planting. The municipal ordinance will also cover graduating students of both elementary and high school prior to getting their school clearances.