42 couples tie knot in mass wedding despite COVID-19 concerns in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol –– At least 42 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day, February 14, despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They exchanged vows during the “Kasalan sa Tagbilaran sa Valentine’s Day” at the Tagbilaran City Hall atrium.

But before the ceremony, the couples had to follow some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Personnel from the city health office had to check their body temperatures, including those of their guests, said Chris John Torralba, chief of the City General Services Office.

Masks and alcohol were also given to the couples and their guests.

The mass wedding was officiated by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II, who encouraged couples to remain committed and “in love” with each other.

Local Civil Registry Head Virgilia Incog facilitated the event in coordination with the city mayor’s office.

The oldest couple who got married were Rey Gultiano, 44, and Mary Rose Balena, 34, both residents of this city.

The City Hall’s atrium was turned into a reception area,  where the couples and their immediate families enjoyed the buffet.

The city government allotted a budget for bouquet, food, cake, wine, and gifts.

Torralba, in a memorandum, also lifted the requirement for employees to wear a uniform on Friday and allowed them to wear civilian clothes.

In the memo, he assigned red as the color to wear for those in love or in happy relationships; green for those looking for number two; pink for the hopeful; yellow for “single and ready to mingle;” violet for those in a complicated relationship; black for the broken-hearted; white for no boyfriend/girlfriend since birth; blue for friend-zoned; grey for bitter; orange for assuming; and for those wearing their office uniform, killjoy./lzb