38 couples exchanged vows in a civil mass wedding at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium, the largest event ever officiated by Municipal Mayor Hon. Bernard S. Waclin on February 28, 2025.
Organized by the Municipal Civil Registry Office and the Mayor’s Office, the event took place at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium, arranged by Metallic Gold Creations. The ceremony started with a prelude by the Municipal Band.
Mayor Waclin noted that while the program was a government initiative, the presence of the 38 couples made the event possible. He confirmed that this was the largest mass wedding he had officiated. The participating couples ranged in age from 19 to 58, with the oldest pair having spent 28 years together before formalizing their union.
Ms. Cherry Ann C. Carantes, Municipal Civil Registrar, and Mr. Tagaban C. Aquino, Registration Officer II of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), conducted an Information Education Campaign session. They discussed civil registration and the legal responsibilities of marriage.
Additionally, Ptr. Ignacio Caput spoke about faith, reminding couples that a strong vertical relationship with God fosters a harmonious horizontal relationship with one’s partner, and explained marriage using the concept: “One plus one equals one.”
Municipal Administrator Mr. Arnel F. Bahingawan welcomed the attendees while Mayor Waclin solemnized the exchange of vows and pronounced the couples married. Ptra. Brenda Dulnuan distributed Bibles, led a prayer, and gave a benediction, stating, “Marriage is a sacred, honorable thing created by God.”
For the closing message, Mr. Gerard A. Tolito, Registration Officer IV of the Civil Registration Services Division, representing PSA-CAR Regional Director Ms. Villafe P. Alibuyog, emphasized the importance of commitment and communication. Additionally, Chief Statistical Specialist Ms. Imelda L. Buyuccan offered words of support and encouragement to the newlyweds.
The ceremony ended with cake cutting, wine drinking, the couples’ first dance, giving of tokens, and a lunch prepared by LGU-Itogon.
WORDS | Shayne Ashley Sudiacal; BSU Intern
PHOTOS | Jelly Rose Navaja & Ralph Jay Galunza ; BSU Interns
EVENT STYLING | Metallic Gold Creations
