BRIDGING TRADITION AND MODERNITY: THE EVOLUTION OF WEDDING CEREMONIES IN A BARANGAY OF ABUYOG, LEYTE

This study explores the evolution of wedding ceremonies in Barangay Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte, highlighting the interplay between tradition and modernity in a rural Philippine context. Anchored in the Family Code of the Philippines, Cultural Lag Theory, and Modernization Theory, the research investigates how legal frameworks, socio-economic shifts, and digital influences have reshaped matrimonial customs. Employing a descriptive quantitative design, the study surveyed 90 purposively selected respondents—comprising elderly residents, married couples, and community leaders—using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations, were applied to analyze adherence to traditional practices, awareness of legal mandates, and adoption of modern trends. Findings reveal a generational shift: while elders emphasize strong adherence to customs such as pamamanhikan and sabugan, younger couples increasingly favor civil weddings, digital planning tools, and personalized ceremonies. Legal awareness, particularly of the Family Code, has grown, influencing marriage decisions and formalizing practices. Despite concerns about cultural erosion, respondents across all groups value the preservation of wedding traditions and advocate for a balanced integration of heritage and innovation. The study concludes that wedding ceremonies in Balocawehay are dynamic cultural expressions—rooted in community identity yet responsive to contemporary realities. These findings contribute to broader discussions on cultural continuity, legal adaptation, and the evolving nature of rural traditions in the face of modernization.