Couples applying for a marriage license in Bislig now have a city law that spells out exactly what to expect from the required pre-marriage sessions. City Ordinance No. 2026-04, cited as "The 2026 Pre-Marriage Counseling Policy Guidelines in the City of Bislig," sets the fee, the weekly schedule, the certificates and the team that runs the program.

When it was passed

The Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted the ordinance on March 10, 2026, during its 34th regular session. Mayor Florencio C. Garay approved it on March 19, 2026. It takes effect 15 days after approval and posting at City Hall and two other public places.

It was authored by Councilor Pedrito R. Sulapas and sponsored by Councilors Romeo F. Cacayan, Bernadeth May R. Almanon-Balondo and Alfredo J. Carmelo, with Vice Mayor Conrad C. Cejoco.

The two sessions, and who must attend

The ordinance follows national rules, including Presidential Decree No. 965, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (Republic Act No. 10354) and Article 16 of the Family Code. It separates two sessions.

  • Pre-Marriage Orientation (PMO): required for every couple before a marriage license is issued, regardless of age. It covers responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding and infant nutrition, and marriage and relationships.
  • Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC): required when one or both parties are 18 to 25 years old, in addition to the orientation. Couples above 25 may also request it.

What the Local Civil Registrar will ask for

Under the ordinance, the Local Civil Registrar's Office releases the marriage license only when couples present:

  • Ages 18 to 25: a signed Certificate of Compliance and a Certificate of Marriage Counseling (or an equivalent certificate from another authorized solemnizing officer).
  • Ages 26 and above: a signed Certificate of Compliance.

The Certificate of Compliance is issued by the City Population and Development Office after the orientation. The Certificate of Marriage Counseling is issued by a counselor accredited by the DSWD. Each certificate is valid for six months.

Fee and schedule

Couples pay P300 at the City Treasurer's Office for the regular orientation, counseling and certificates. Special sessions and sessions for couples from outside the city cost P1,000. The money goes into a trust fund for staff training, honoraria for non-city facilitators, supplies, printed materials, and venue and equipment upkeep.

Sessions are held every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. If a Wednesday is a holiday, the session moves to the Friday right after. Each session is capped at 15 couples, and counseling is done per couple or in groups of up to six couples.

How to apply

Filipino couples who are at least 18 bring their official receipt from the City Treasurer's Office and fill out an application form and a Marriage Expectation Inventory. One copy stays with the secretariat and the other is presented at registration.

If one partner is a foreign national, the Filipino partner must notify the secretariat at least two weeks before the foreign partner arrives so counselors can be scheduled. The ordinance allows special schedules when an interpreter is needed or time is short.

Kasalan ng Bayan

Barangays, churches and organizations planning a mass wedding need at least eight couples. They must write to the City Population and Development Office two weeks ahead with the schedule and venue, and submit the couples' names one week before the counseling.

Who runs the program

The PMOC Team is led by the City Population Officer, with representatives from the City Health Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office. At least one member must be a DSWD-accredited counselor. The City Population and Development Office serves as secretariat.

Source: City of Bislig, Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 2026-04 (enacted March 10, 2026; approved March 19, 2026), published on the city's Ordinances 2026 page at bislig.gov.ph.