TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental—In a heartfelt celebration of love, commitment, and unity, 120 couples from across Misamis Occidental sealed their union in a grand, free mass wedding on the occasion of the province’s 95th anniversary. The “Kasalan sa Kapitolyo” event, held at the breathtaking scenery of Asenso Global Gardens (AGG) in Tangub City on November 7, was part of the provincial government’s initiative to help couples formalize their unions without the financial burden.
For many couples, this was not just a wedding—it was the realization of years of dreams, struggles, and sacrifices. Jojo Carmelo, 52, and his wife, Arcelyn Carmelo, 47, from Bonifacio, have been together for 28 years and have six children. Despite their long relationship, they had never been able to get married due to financial constraints. The couple was also awarded a P10,000 cash prize for having the longest years of living together.
“Gumikan sa kalisod namo sauna, dayon ug wala pa lang ni si Gov karon dili mi makasal gumikan sa ilang kalisod,” Jojo shared with heartfelt gratitude. (If it weren’t for Governor Henry Oaminal, we wouldn’t have been able to get married due to our hardships). “Sobra sobra gyud akong kalipay kay karon pa gyud nako nabati nga lahi ra gyud kay niabot gyud ang kasalan ng bayan gumikan sa panabang ni Gov nakasal gyud ko.” (I am overjoyed because I’ve never felt anything like this. There’s something special about the ‘Kasalan ng Bayan.’ Without this program of Governor Oaminal, I wouldn’t have been able to experience this moment.)
The couple’s journey to their wedding day was a long one. Marcelin recalled that they had been living together for so long, but the circumstances just weren’t right for them to get married. “Pasalamat gyud ko ni Gov nga iya gyud ming gitabangan bahin sa pagkasal. Salamat kaayo sa iyang pag sponsor namo ug wala pa siya dili gyud mi makasal,” Jojo said.
Josie Tagas Baluyos, 58, and Rogelio Baluyos Megriño, 62, from Lopez Jaena, who were awarded as the oldest couple, shared a similar sentiment. After 31 years together, they were finally able to formalize their union.
Financial barriers had kept them from marrying, but they are deeply grateful to Governor Oaminal for making this possible. “Pasalamat kaayo ko ni Gov nga nakasal mi karong tuiga, daghan kaayong salamat, Gov,” Josie said. (I am very grateful to Gov for making it possible for us to get married this year. Thank you so much, Gov.)
The “Kasalan sa Kapitolyo” initiative was designed to support marginalized communities by removing financial barriers to marriage. For many couples, the opportunity to marry was once an impossible dream—until now.
Governor Oaminal’s vision for this program was clear: to ensure that love, in all its forms, could be celebrated and honored by everyone, regardless of their economic situation.
One of the winners of the most children category, Ronie Bulawan, 39, and Jey-an Alumbro, 33, from Palaran, Calamba, were among the fortunate couples who participated in the event. They had been together for years but never married due to financial constraints. Ronie shared, “Karon pami nagpakasal kay walay kwarta. Dako kaayo mi ug pasalamat kay usa mi naapil sa Kasalan ng Bayan. Akong gibati nalipay gyud kay ma-legit na jud akong anak, ug akong apilyedo na masunod.” (We’re only getting married now because we didn’t have money before. We’re very grateful to be part of the Kasalan ng Bayan. I feel so happy because my child will finally be legitimized, and my surname will be passed on.)
Ronie went on to express his deep appreciation for the provincial government: “Maayo kaayo pagkadala sa administration ni Governor Oaminal nga naghuna-huna sila sa mga tao nga wala pa gyud legit nga nakasal. Nagpasalamat ko nila kaY usa mi naapil sa programa nga kasalan ng bayan.” (The administration of Governor Oaminal has done a great job by thinking of the people who have not yet been officially married. I am thankful to them because we are now part of the ‘Kasalan ng Bayan’ program.)
The event was not just a wedding ceremony—it was a celebration of community, love, and the power of public service to create meaningful change. The couples were provided with everything they needed for a dream wedding: a free prenuptial photoshoot, wedding attire, professional hair and makeup services, a wedding cake, and even a P20,000 cash gift to help start their new life together.
The “Kasalan sa Kapitolyo” program is an inspiring reminder of how government initiatives can have a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people. By removing the financial burden of a wedding, the program allowed couples to focus on what truly matters—the love they share and the future they will build together.
For these 120 couples, their wedding day was not just a celebration—it was a new beginning, made possible by the generosity and vision of Governor Oaminal and the provincial government. (SN/PGMO)
