QUEZON CITY — One hundred couples officially exchanged vows during a Kasalang Bayan ceremony organized by the Manila City Government in partnership with the Manila Civil Registry Office on February 13, as part of the city’s Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The mass wedding, held at Robinsons Mall in Ermita, aimed to provide qualified couples with the opportunity to formalize their unions through free civil rites, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to making essential services accessible to Manileños.
Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso personally officiated the ceremony, highlighting the importance of marriage as a foundation of strong families and communities. He was joined by Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and Jaime R. Tejero III, officer-in-charge of the Manila Civil Registry Office.
According to city officials, the Kasalang Bayan program is part of Manila’s continuing efforts to support couples who may face financial or administrative barriers to marriage, while also promoting family values and social inclusion.
The activity was made possible through collaboration with private sector partners, serving as the venue and logistical support, while the local government ensured the conduct of official civil rites and documentation.
Families, friends, and witnesses attended the ceremony, sharing in the celebration as the newlyweds began their journey as married couples under the law. (Alice Sicat /PIA-NCR)
