Bishop Alberto Uy (left) officiates the Libreng Kasalan sa Tagbilaran at St. Josepgh Cathedral on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2025. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – A total of 272 couples took their solemn marriage vows on Feb. 14 at a mass wedding sponsored by the city government.Dubbed as “Libreng Kasalan sa Tagbilaran,” it is an annual tradition that offers couples a memorable and cost-free wedding experience as part of celebrating Valentine’s Day.
This year, the city government has partnered with the Diocese of Tagbilaran to make the event more meaningful as only civil weddings were offered for the past years.
This year, the Catholic weddings took place at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine, officiated by Bishop Alberto Uy and concelebrated by 19 diocesan priests.
From the church, the couples proceeded to the Plaza Rizal in front of the cathedral, where the reception was held.
As part of the city’s commitment to supporting its residents, the program includes a complete package for couples who tied the knot.
Each couple was provided with free bridal gowns with veils, Barong Tagalog with slacks, hair and makeup services, bridal bouquets, corsages, church decorations, wedding performer, photo and video coverage, LED walls, sound system, food for family members and witnesses, wine, wedding cake, wedding rings and even free processing of their documents.
Among the beneficiaries were Jolito, 59, and Maria Rufina Anoc, 56, a couple from Barangay Taloto.
They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to finally tie the knot after living together for 35 years, with four kids and five grandchildren.
“Nalipay me nga gikasal nami karon kay 35 years na kami nga nagtipon,” Maria Rufina said.
(We are happy that we got married today because we have been together for 35 years.)
Monsignor Efren Bongay, parish priest and rector of St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine, expressed the diocese’ gratefulness for this partnership with the city government.
“Sa mga wala masayod, ang gi-apas gyud ani sa simbahan, ilabi na ni Bishop Abet mao gyud ang kaluwasan sa kalag,” said Bongay.
(For those who don’t know, what the church, especially Bishop Abet, is trying to achieve, is the salvation of the soul.)
Another set of 39 couples also tied the knot on Feb. 15 at the Tagbilaran City Hall Atrium for non-Catholic couples. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)
