As they say, “Love endures everything, love is stronger than death, love fears nothing.”
The recipients of the “Nueva Vizcaya Enduring Devotion Award Ordinance” were honored with Php 50,000 cash incentives from the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) under the administration of Gov. Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito, in collaboration with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) headed by PSWD Officer Flordelina C. Granada, at the Ammungan Hall, Capitol Compound, Bayombong, on February 14, 2025.
Ordinance No. 2024-248, established through the efforts of Board Member Patricio “Patpat” F. Dumlao Jr., provides incentives, a plaque of recognition, and a letter of felicitation from the Governor to married couples who have lived together legally for fifty (50) years or more. “I authored this ordinance because I deeply admire married couples. I believe that marriage is a blessing, and that the marriage contract is not just a piece of paper, but a symbol of unconditional love that keeps the family together,” Hon. Dumlao said.
Forty-two married couples from various municipalities across the province were recognized in this second batch of awardees. The couples hailed from Aritao (6), Bambang (1), Bayombong (3), Dupax del Norte (11), Kasibu (1), Quezon (4), Sta. Fe (1), and Solano (12). These couples were thoroughly screened before receiving their cash incentives.
Among the enthralling stories shared was that of Mr. Jose B. Curameng and Mrs. Sacrificia P. Curameng of Sto. Domingo Proper, Bambang. Their grandson, John Raven M. Curameng, shared a touching account of how his grandfather did not know he would be receiving the cash incentive on that day. As Mr. Curameng had gone up the mountain to gather firewood, the family had to call and fetch him to deliver the good news. Mr. and Mrs. Curameng, who have been married for 68 years, embody the promise of enduring devotion through thick and thin.
Another touching story came from the couple Mr. Mariano A. Ogoy and Mrs. Angelina F. Ogoy from Lamo, Dupax del Norte. Their daughter, Mary Jane, spoke about her parents’ relationship, saying, “Mama is a loving wife to Papa, always going above and beyond what he expects from her. She’s not just a wife, but also his best friend and comforter, especially during tough times. Papa, on the other hand, is a hardworking husband and father. He is a ‘Jack of all trades’ and never gives up on any challenges, particularly when it comes to family. Despite the struggles they’ve faced in building our family, they always held hands together.” The Ogoys’ story is a true testament to “endless love” and the sentiment of “till death do us part.”
Governor Gambito also shared his thoughts on the importance of marriage and enduring one another. “There is no such thing as perfect compatibility in relationships, but choosing and staying with your partner every day is what matters. You are not just husband and wife; you are also parents. I often use the analogy of a baby cradle; the straps represent you as parents. If one lets go, the baby falls. In life, you have to stick together, endure each other, and guide your children. They will grow up to adopt the same values you instill in them. The PGNV honors you for your enduring love and for being shining examples in our community,” Gov. Gambito emphasized. /jmcb
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