ILIGAN CITY — For many couples, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love.
But for 105 couples here, love had to wait.
The Feb-ibig Kasalan ng Bayan 2026 was originally scheduled for February 14, but the devastation caused by Bagyong Basyang forced organizers to postpone the ceremony.
Flooding disrupted several communities and affected many families — including some of the couples who were preparing to exchange vows.
Still, love found its moment.
On March 5, 2026, the Robinsons Mall Atrium was transformed into a wedding venue where the couples finally celebrated the union they had long dreamed of.
Held as part of the celebration of Civil Registration Month, the mass wedding gave couples the opportunity to legally formalize their relationships — many of whom had been living together for years.
Mayor Frederick Siao officiated the ceremony and described the occasion as a proud moment for the city.
“As the father of the city, it gives me pride and happiness to witness couples deciding to legalize their union,” Siao said, emphasizing the importance of building strong families in the community.
A collaboration between the City Mayor’s Office, the City Civil Registrar’s Office, and the Barangay Affairs and Community Affairs Office organized the event.
Organizers initially planned to accommodate only 50 couples, but the overwhelming response during the mobile registration conducted in December 2025 prompted them to expand the slots to 105 to include all applicants.
For many participants, the opportunity meant finally fulfilling a long-planned dream.
Among them were Venjoshua and Jaycel Lusanta Ermac of Barangay San Roque, who had been living together for seven years and have a five-year-old son.
Like many couples, they had long hoped to marry but struggled to meet the financial requirements of a traditional wedding. Through the Kasalan ng Bayan program, they were able to exchange vows without worrying about expenses.
“Dugay na mi nagplano nga magpakasal pero wala gyud mi budget,” the couple shared.
Their decision to marry, they said, was not only about love but also about securing a better future for their child.
City officials also highlighted the practical benefits of marriage.
Councilor King Belmonte, chairperson of the Committee on Census, Statistics and Population, reminded couples that marriage provides legal protection and access to benefits such as social security and health services.
He also stressed that strong relationships require patience and sacrifice.
“True love is like Tom and Jerry — despite the quarrels, they never leave each other,” Belmonte said.
Vice Mayor Ernest Oliver “Wekwek” Uy echoed the message, advising couples to treat marriage as a partnership where they share both responsibilities and challenges.
“From today onwards, you will share everything — from happiness to problems, even household expenses,” he said.
Aside from the ceremony, couples received assistance with wedding attire, marriage documents, rings, flowers, and photo sessions. They also received gifts such as rice, cakes, and other tokens from city officials and sponsors.
More than just a wedding, the Kasalan ng Bayan served as a reminder that love can endure even the toughest circumstances.
For the 105 couples who finally said “I do,” the ceremony marked not only the beginning of married life but also the resilience of love after the storm.
