BACOLOD CITY – Two-hundred twenty couples wearing face masks against the threat of the novel coronavirus married at the Bacolod City Government Center the other day.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia officiated the wedding dubbed “Kasalan ng Bayan: 220 on 02-20-2020” at the iconic symbol of the city and considered as the “most photographed city hall in the country.”
The couples exchanged “I dos” and kissed their partners while wearing face masks distributed by the City Health Office.
Although Bacolod remains free from COVID-19, the CHO has required the couples to fill out health declaration forms to determine their health status in the past 14 days and their travel history in the past 14 days.
Rolly Glenn dela Cruz, 60, and Jennifer Mijares, 62, the oldest couple.
They said that they have been living together for 38 years but decided to tie the knot this year as they had no information about mass weddings and prioritized the education of their two children first.
The couple have been living together since 1979 and their two children are nursing and education graduates.
Leonardia, in his message, said his administration wants to help establish and stabilize families, as strong families make up strong societies. “If our families are strong, the city of Bacolod becomes strong, too,” he added.
Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and Councilor Al Victor Espino co-sponsored the event with the city government.
Gasataya gave the Words of Counsel while Philippine Statistics Authority-Negros Occidental provincial head Luis Gonzales delivered the inspirational message as special guest.
Also attending the mass wedding were Councilors Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Simplicia Distrito, Carlos Jose Lopez, Al Victor Espino, Archie Baribar, Israel Salanga, Bartolome Orola, Ana Marie Palermo, and Ayesha Joy Villaflor, City Administrator Em Ang, and City Civil Registrar Atty. Hermilo Pa-oyon. (Glazyl Masculino)
