220 couples exchange vows in ‘Mask Wedding’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – In sickness and in health, 220 couples braved the scare of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and tied the knot in a unique “Mask Wedding” ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Thursday.

Clad in white gowns and barongs, the couples exchanged “I Dos” and kissed their partners while wearing face masks distributed by the City Health Office (CHO).

Dubbed “Kasalan ng Bayan: 220 on 02-20-2020,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia solemnized the couples during the ceremony held at BCGC – an iconic symbol of the city and considered as the “most photographed City Hall in the country.”

Although Bacolod remains free from Covid-19, the couples were required to wear face masks as part of the health and safety measures of the city government.

The CHO has also required the couples to fill out Health Declaration forms, to determine their health status and travel history for the past 14 days.

The oldest couple to wed was Rolly Glenn dela Cruz, 60, and Jennifer Mijares, 62, after living together for 38 years since 1979.

The couple said that they recently decided to get married because they only learned about mass weddings this year.

They also said that they considered the education of their two children first before tying the knot.

Meanwhile, 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.

Congressman 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 a special guest.

The mass wedding was also graced by 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.

For years now, the Leonardia administration has been sponsoring mass weddings annually as part of its traditional post-Valentine’s treat to Bacolodnons.

This year, the city organized a unique mass wedding ceremony, especially that Bacolod City is also known for the world-famous MassKara Festival.

Leonardia had also officiated the mass wedding in Bacolod in 2013, with 2,013 couples—widely considered the biggest in the country so far.