BACOLOD CITY – Love, commitment, and new beginnings filled the air this Valentine’s Day as Mayor Greg Gasataya officiated the mass wedding of 202 couples at the Bacolod City College Activity Center on February 14, 2026. The event was held in celebration of Civil Registration Month. The ceremony, themed “Forever Begins Today: Ceremony, Love, and Celebration,” featured an elegant gold, white, and orange motif, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and enduring love. Couples, families, sponsors, and city officials gathered to witness the legal union of the newlyweds. Mayor 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, Mayor 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,” Gasataya said. Symbolic rites were conducted to represent unity, strength, and the couples’ shared journey in marriage. Barangay Mansilingan Captain Inday Franz and Councilor Jason Villarosa led the Unity Candle ceremony, symbolizing the merging of two lives. Councilors Israel Salanga and Em Ang led the Unity Sand ceremony, representing the inseparable bond and enduring partnership of the couples. Councilors Thaddy Sayson and Homer Bais led the Ceremonial Toast, offering words of encouragement and inspiration. Councilor Bais shared a meaningful reminder on the permanence of marriage. Councilor Homer Bais shared that his mother-in-law once told him that once married, there is “no return, no exchange,” to which he added, “no retreat, no surrender,” encouraging couples to remain steadfast in their commitment. Adding excitement, four special awards were 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. & 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. The mass wedding also became a symbol of hope for couples who had faced difficult circumstances. Among them were 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. Rolando and Sharon 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. Their participation in the mass wedding marked a life-changing milestone, formalizing their long-standing union. After more than two decades of hardship, the ceremony symbolized not only their legal marriage but also a fresh start, restoring dignity, stability, and renewed hope for their family. City officials, barangay leaders, wedding sponsors, and families joined the mayor during the ceremony as witnesses and supporters. 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. (Bacolod City Communications Office)