Bacolod holds Valentine’s mass wedding for 202

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A total of 202 couples tied the knot in a Valentine’s Day mass wedding organized by the city government Saturday.

Mayor Greg Gasataya officiated the ceremony at the Bacolod City College (BCC) Activity Center on Feb. 14, coinciding with Civil Registration Month.

Themed “Forever Begins Today: Ceremony, Love, and Celebration,” the event featured an elegant gold, white, and orange motif, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and enduring love.

One highlight of the mass wedding, symbolizing hope, was the union of Rolando Toledo and Sharon Gaho, who had lived together for 21 years while struggling with homelessness.

According to Anjanette Servano, head of the Bacolod Anti-Mendicancy Management Division under the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the couple and their five children were rescued two weeks ago along San Juan Street, in front of Police Station 1.

The rescue was part of the city’s ongoing efforts to assist families in vulnerable situations.

The couple worked as barkers, while their children helped by asking for alms and selling small items.

Through the city government’s intervention, the family is now temporarily sheltered at the Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre, where they are receiving assistance while preparing for a more stable future.

Four special awards were also presented to couples who embodied the spirit of love.

Winners received cash prizes and gift certificates from AIDA’s Chicken Inasal.

The special awardees were:

Forever Young at Heart Award: Kyle and Vanjie Loriezo, recognized for remaining youthful and vibrant in spirit.

Love Knows No Age Award: Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey and Suzzete Suanico of Barangay 18, honored for their love transcending age and time.

They also led the ceremonial signing of marriage for all 202 couples.

Best Dressed Couple Award: Elton John Novilla and Messi Rebamonte, recognized for exemplifying grace, confidence, and timeless style.

Sweetest Love Award: Ronnie Panohinog and Camille Anne Panohinog, recognized for their outstanding affection and connection.

Couples, families, sponsors, and city officials gathered to witness the legal union of the newlyweds.

Gasataya provided a small wedding cake, food, wine, and special souvenirs for each couple as tokens of the city government’s support and recognition of their commitment.

In his message, Gasataya emphasized the legal and lifelong significance of marriage under Philippine law.

“This is not something to be taken lightly. Once the ceremony is completed, under the laws of the Philippines, you are already one. We are gathered here today to share in the joy and love that each of you has brought to this occasion,” the mayor said.

The mass wedding highlights the importance of civil registration in securing legal identity and protecting the rights of families.

It also forms part of the city’s efforts to make essential government services more accessible and meaningful to Bacolodnons.