A total of 20 couples exchanged their vows in a mass wedding officiated by Mayor Albee Benitez at the lobby of Bacolod City Government Center.

In coordination with the Bacolod City Office of Civil Registar, Benitez solemnized the civil union of the couples from Brgy. Handumanan.

During the ceremony, the newlyweds were represented by the oldest couple, Adonis Abriel Bagaporo, 46, and 42-year-old Jennifer Mendoza. Meanwhile, the youngest couple who tied the knot were Jonna Freias and Emerson Padilla, ages 24 and 28 respectively.

Office of Civil Registrar Head Atty. Hermelio Paoyon and former Barangay Captain of Handumanan Ma. Febe Legaspe both extended their congratulations during the rite.

The wedding signifies “legal standing” of the couples’ relationship and for their “children to be legitimized formally,” Paoyon shared in his message.