At Bacolod mass wedding, fear of COVID-19 adds accessory to attires—facial masks

Face masks become part of the attires of these couples who seized the chance to get married for free at a mass wedding event by the Bacolod City government. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY – At least 220 couples tied the knot in a mass wedding on Thursday (Feb. 20), their facial masks becoming the clearest sign of concern over COVID-19.

Although Bacolod City is free of COVID-19, the couples wore facial masks during the mass wedding held at the Bacolod City Government Center as a precaution against the deadly virus.

The couples exchanged “I dos” at the wedding solemnized by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, and kissed each other through their masks distributed earlier by the City Health Office (CHO).

Face masks become part of the attires of these couples who seized the chance to get married for free at a mass wedding event by the Bacolod City government. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The CHO required the 220 couples to fill out forms, declaring their health status and their travel history in the past 14 days.

Dubbed as “Kasalan ng Bayan: 220 on 02-20-2020,” Leonardia said his administration wanted to help build and strengthen families.

“If our families are strong, the city of Bacolod becomes strong too,” he said.

Rep. Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and Councilor Al Victor Espino co-sponsored the event with the city government.

The Leonardia administration has been sponsoring mass weddings annually as part of its traditional post-Valentine’s treat for the people of Bacolod.

John Paul Inventor, 39, who works as a messenger at a hospital, said the mass wedding was a fun affair even if they were wearing facial masks.

“They were just being careful,” he said.

Inventor was married to Leslie Lumawag, 29, with whom he has two sons aged two and five years old.

He said they had long wanted to get married but were short of funds.

“We were happy that the mayor gave us an opportunity to be part of the mass wedding because it was for free,” Inventor said.

Glenn de la Cruz, 60, who wed his partner for 38 years, said Thursday’s mass wedding was an event to remember.

“It was an unforgettable wedding. We kissed through our masks, and laughed,” he said.

“We decided to join the mass wedding as it was free and we did not have to do any preparations. All we had to do was show up,” he added.

Edited by TSB