TOPIC ONE

MARRIAGE
&
RELATIONSHIPS
 The topic will help would-be couples
to fully understand what they are
getting into; what their responsibilities
will be; how to handle issues and
conflicts they may encounter; and how
important it is to make the marriage
work and maintain a harmonious
relationship.
Session 1: Marriage (10 minutes)
Session 2: Roles & Relationships (10 minutes)
Session 3: Elements of a Harmonious
Relationship (15 minutes)
Session 4: Other Related Laws on Marriage
(5minutes)
Session 5: Services Available for Nurturing
Marriage (5 minutes)
 Session 1

MARRIAGE
Why do you want to
get married?
Marriage is . .

A binding legal contract

between a man and a woman
for the establishment
of conjugal
and family life.
The New Family Code of the Philippines

A special contract of a
permanent union between a
man and a woman.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR)
Men and women of full age, without
any limitation due to race, nationality
or religion, have the right to marry
and to found a family. They are
entitled to equal rights as to
marriage, during marriage and at its
dissolution.
Marriage is . .

Entered into for two reasons:

To satisfy a man’s and a woman’s
need for love and intimacy, and
To provide foundation for the
formation of a family.
The New Family Code of the Philippines

The primary purpose of marriage is to

spiritually, emotionally and physically
unite a man and woman together, as
husband and wife, in a covenantal
(agreement or contract) relationship
between themselves and their Creator.
Reflect:
Are we both ready to enter a life-long
commitment with each other and to our
community as married couple or as a social
institution?
 
Have we prepared ourselves for the legal,
formal, psychological, and other requirements of
marriage?
Marriage is valid only if:

1. Contracting parties have legal capacity

2. Must be a male and a female
3. Eighteen years or upwards
4. Consent freely given in the presence of the solemnizing
officer

The New Family Code

Essential Requisites of Marriage
 
1. Authority of the solemnizing officer
2. A valid marriage license
3. A marriage ceremony which takes place with
the appearance of the contracting parties
before the solemnizing officer and their
personal declaration that they take each other
as husband and wife
 The absence of any of the
essential or formal requisites shall
render the marriage void ab initio
(from the very beginning)
Session 2

ROLES
&
RELATIONSHIPS
 Both husband and wife have shared
responsibilities, duties and obligations
in their married life, establishing and
nurturing the family and to
encourage and support each other’s
personal growth and development.
• The husband and wife are obliged to live
together, observe mutual love, respect
and fidelity, and render mutual help and
support.
• The husband and wife shall decide on
the family domicile.
• The husband and wife shall be jointly
responsible for the support of the
family.
• The management of the household shall be
the right and duty of both spouses.

• The husband and wife is free to exercise their

profession, occupation or activity without the
consent of the other. They may only object
provided that there is a valid, serious and
moral grounds.
• The husband and wife shall take care of each
other’s health and wellness.

• The husband and wife shall be each other’s

primary support system.

• The husband and wife shall strive and work

to resolve conflicts peaceful and amicably.
Maintaining positive relations
is not limited between spouses
but also with each spouse’s
family
• Treat your in-laws as you would your
parents.
• Build mutual respect by observing traditions,
special occasions, privacy and differing
opinions/ideas.
• Let your in-laws enjoy your kids as much as
you let your own parents.
• Be mature.
• Be kind.
• Communicate with them openly.
• Be open to change
No marriage/relationship is perfect.
There would always be challenges,
however, all couples experience the
same conflicts and issues along their
married life.
What possible issues that
you feel or think you
would encounter during
your married life ?
 Top 10 Potential Marital Issues
According to Experts

• Boundary Problems
• Talking vs. Communicating
• Time Management
• Intimacy
• Turned Focus
• Emotional Infidelity
• Money
• Inability or Unwillingness to Forgive
• Lack of Appreciation
• Allowing Technology to Interfere
Session 3:

Elements of a
Harmonious
Relationship
Ask yourself when you feel most loved
in your relationship.

Make a list of the top three things your

partner does that makes you feel
loved.
 ACTIVITY: The Five Love Languages
A B C D E

I look forward to compliments I like to spend one-on-one Gifts don’t have to be I feel loved when my spouse I feel loved when my spouse
and verbal praise, making an time with my partner. Our time expensive but it sends a does things to help me. What would hold my hand, give me
effort to avoid criticism. I like it being together is the best way powerful message of love to my partner does, including hugs or unexpected kisses.
when my partner tells me that I to show love to me. I look me whether these are sincere efforts to provide
am attractive or I look good. It forward to doing things purchased, found, or made. practical help such as running It matters to me when my
uplifts and affirms my self- together and focusing on one   errands and doing chores, partner holds me in his/her
image and confidence. another. I like it when you give me home projects or tasks without arms or sits close to me,
visible symbols of love (gifts) being asked, matters to me leaning on each other. I
I like to receive regular notes I deeply appreciate when as these are always special to than what is actually being understand and respond
and words of affirmation from doing meaningful activities me.Several inexpensive gifts said. I know my partner loves better when my partner holds
my partner. I feel loved when together such as taking long mean more to me than one me when he/she sincerely my hand.
he/she acknowledges me and walks or going places. large expensive gift. I feel does things for me that he/she
the words of acceptance are Quality conversation matters loved when you celebrate my doesn’t necessarily enjoy I feel whole and secure when
important to me. to me. birthday with a gift. doing. my spouse touches me,
cuddles, or simply gives
I feel loved when my partner I appreciate it when my I appreciate it when you I appreciate the many things shoulder massages.
celebrates my birthday with partner looks at me when we remember special days with a my partner does for me. I feel
meaningful words (written or are talking, listening patiently gift. loved when he/she
spoken.) and doesn’t interrupt me.   enthusiastically does a task I
I know you are thinking of me have requested, knowing that
I feel encouraged when my I would expect my spouse to whenever you give me a gift. he/she is concerned enough
partner is able to see the give undivided attention and When I receive a gift for no to help me.
world from my perspective. listen to me sympathetically, occasion or your presence
I feel loved when my partner taking time to understand my alone during a crisis make me
knows and recognizes what is feelings. feel loved.
important to me.
Kind words and tone of voice
matter to me.
 5 Love Languages

Words of Affirmation: I love you, I’m proud of you,

You’re awesome!

Acts of Service: Action speaks louder than words

Receiving gifts: Another way to the heart

Quality Time: Undivided attention

Physical Touch: Holding hands, share a shower

Elements of Harmonious Relationship
COMMITMENT – willing to investing in your marriage
and to sacrifice for the other.

COMMUNICATION – being aware of each other’s

expectations; verbalizing and articulating needs and
desires;

EMPATHY – understanding a person’s perspective by

putting oneself in his/her shoes.
 Elements . . . continued

ACCEPTANCE –accept each other for who and what

he/she is. Couples are usually more secured and
more confident in their relationship.

LOVE AND LOYALTY - feeling of confidence that you

are able to keep the love and interest of your partner.
*not doing anything that will create doubt and
insecurity on the part of the spouse
 Elements . . . continued
SATISFYING SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP OR
SEXUAL HARMONY
When done as an expression of love and care, sex
serves as a powerful instrument of marital fulfillment
and happiness.

FINANCIAL SECURITY
Wise budgeting and spending of income is necessary to
support the financial needs of the family
 Elements . . . continued

PUTTING GOD OR SUPREME BEING AT THE CENTER OF

YOUR MARRIAGE/UNION
When God completes the relationship, the marriage/union is
strengthened.

MUTUAL SERVICE.
Married life is a life of mutual service and aid. You aid each
other through division of labor in maintaining a home.
Session 4:

OTHER RELATED LAWS

GOVERNING MARRIAGE
Legal Basis for Marriage:
The1987 Philippine Constitution and the Family Code recognize that
marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the
family and shall be protected by the State.

Republic Act 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive

Health Law, affirms the roles of the State in protecting the family.

This law also promotes the rights of the couples to exercise their
reproductive rights particularly their right to have their desired
number, timing, and spacing of children within the demands of
responsible parenthood through universal access to reproductive
health information and services including family planning.
 
RA 9262 –Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004

(Promulgated March 08, 2004)

The State recognizes the need to protect the

family and its members particularly women
and children, from violence and threats to
their personal safety and security.
RA 9262 –Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004

(Promulgated March 08, 2004)

Violence is any act or series of acts. . .

physical, sexual, psychological harm or
suffering, or economic abuse including threats
of such acts, battery, assault, coercion,
harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
 Republic Act 9710 Magna Carta of Women (2009)

The state shall ensure the same rights for

women and men to: enter into and leave
marriages, freely choose a spouse, decide on
the number and spacing of their children,
enjoy personal rights including the choice of a
profession, own, acquire, and administer their
property, and acquire, change, or retain their
nationality
 Republic Act 9710 Magna Carta of Women (2009)

• Protection from all forms of violence, ... and

defense of women against gender-based
violence (including domestic violence);

• Equal rights in all matters relating to marriage

and family relations.
Republic Act 8353- Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (September 1997)

• The law states that rape is committed by a man

who shall have carnal knowledge of a woman
who uses force, threat, or intimidation.

• Forced sex between married couples is still rape

and cannot be excused under the guise of
marriage.
Session 5:

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR

NURTURING MARRIAGE
Services and programs on enriching and nurturing marriage are provided by the local government unit, as well as by
nongovernment and private organizations and some national government agencies:
( C/MSWDO, C/MPO, Barangay VAWC Desk, POPCOM , Commission on Filipino Overseas, Gender and Development Office)

Marriage counseling
Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning
(RPFP) Classes
  Classes on Male Involvement in RPFP and Gender Equality
  Parenting Education on Adolescent Health and Development
Services for victims of violence against women
and children (VAWC)
Pre-Departure Guidance and Counseling
Program (PDGCP) for Filipino spouses and
 
 
 
 Synthesis of Topic One

What have we learned about marriage?

What does the law provides to our marriage?

 
What are some tips on how to prevent and handle marital issues?

Having learned what it takes to get married, in the next topic we will
learn what it takes to be good and responsible parents, how to treat and
manage our children and bring them up well.
Couple Time