TOPIC ONE

MARRIAGE
&
RELATIONSHIPS
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

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

 
We 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