SEALED WITH A KISS: 5 Heartwarming ‘Kasalang Bayan 2026’ Stories in CLuzon & NLuzon

 

“Mass Wedding Spreading Love in CL and NL Provinces”

By: Celso M. Cajucom

NUEVA ECIJA – The month of February has transformed into a season of legal wedding as various Local Government Units (LGUs) organized “Kasalang-Bayan”ceremonies. These events mark a celebration of Valentine’s Day and Civil Registration Month, bringing together hundreds of couples across the region to legalize their vows.

Gapan City’s Record-Breaking Wedding

Leading the festivities was Gapan City, where Mayor Joy Pascual, and Vice Mayor Max Pascual with 4th District Congressman Emerson “Emeng” Pascual hosted 234 couples at the Gapan City Gymnasium on February 14. To ensure the comfort of the newlyweds during the unpredictable weather, the LGU provided a truly comprehensive package: free gold wedding rings, elegant attire (gowns and barongs), bouquets, exquisite flower arrangements, and a full reception for all the guests.

The Kasalang Bayan 2026 in Gapan remains the biggest in the province.

This historic event solidified Gapan’s reputation for providing unprecedented public service. Originally implemented by Rep.  Pascual during his tenure as Mayor, the tradition was successfully carried on by his younger sister, Mayor Joy Pascual, who has now surpassed previous records for the mass wedding. This achievement earned a flood of positive comments from the Batang Gapan on the city’s Facebook page, praising the continued dedication of the Pascual siblings to their constituents.

In General Tinio, the wedding of PFC Alex Alvarez Lino of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City and May Tena Lino stood out among the 48 pairs officiated by Mayor Sherry Ann Bolisay. After years of being live-in partners, the couple chose the February 18 Kasalang Bayan ceremony to legalize their marriage, with their 7-month-old son, Alexander Yin.

Mayor Bolisay, alongside the municipal councilors and barangay officials, invited pastors from various religious sectors to offer prayers for the couples. Adding excitement to the event, the “First Lady Mayor” organized special contests, including a “One Hour Longest Kiss” and “Best Couple” awards. These activities garnered  viral comments on social media, showcasing how the lady mayor has kept the town active and engaged during her first term of office.

The intimate Kasalang Bayan 2026 ceremony showcased the strong bond of the community.” said Bolisay.

 

(From L & R) Gapan City Mayor Joy Pascual, General Tinio Mayor Sherry Ann Bolisay, Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman Taay and husband Shierwin Taay, provincial Administrator of Aurora province.

Spreading Love Across Central and Northern Luzon Provinces

The spirit of the “Feb-Ibig” season also reached other major areas in the region, where local leaders personally ensured the success of these mass weddings.

In Palayan City, Mayor Viandrei Nicole “Vianne” Joson-Cuevas officiated the union of 19 couples on February 13, joined by Vice Mayor Romaric Capinpin and the City Council, with specialized support from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Engr. Rommel Payawal, Palayan City ICT Division and the City Civil Registrar Loribell de Guzman  who joined the ceremony.

Following the legacy of her mother, former Mayor Adrianne Mae “Rianne” Cuevas, Mayor Vianne has sustained the city’s trajectory of progress in economic, social, and health services, ensuring the continued welfare and prosperity of all Palayanos.

Meanwhile, in the town of Cabiao, Mayor Rav Kevin Rivera and his father, Vice Mayor Ramil Rivera, welcomed more or less 50 new couples into the bonds of matrimony, reminding them that marriage is a “sacred promise” that builds a strong community.

The Mayor emphasized that the Kasalang Bayan 2026 is a gift of love to his constituents.”

From L & R : Cabiao Mayor Rav Kevin Rivera, Bambang Mayor Benjamin “Jamie” Cuaresma III, (Nueva Vizcaya), Palayan City Mayor Vianne Cuevas

The elder Rivera, during his tenure as Mayor, was a recipient of prestigious social service awards, an evidence to the kind of leadership and dedication to public welfare that continues to guide the town today.

In Dingalan, Kasalang Bayan 2026 in Aurora province , Mayor Aurora Guzman Taay, alongside her husband, Provincial Administrator Shierwin Taay, led the “Feb-Ibig” mass wedding for 30 couples at the Ed Angara Convention Center. The event was not just a legal ceremony but a celebration of the couple’s long-standing service to the town.

One resident, Salvacion Sto. Domingo, expressed the community’s deep admiration in a heartfelt social media comment, stating that the town is proud to have a leadership that reflects a strong partnership. She noted that the transition of leadership from the former mayor to his wife, Mayor Aurora, was a choice made by a united community that values the “mabuting katangian” and dedication of the couple. “Mabuhay po kayong mag-asawa and we are so proud of you sa buong mundo!” Sto. Domingo added, echoing the sentiments of many Dingaleños.

LGU-Dingalan Mayor Aurora Guzman Taay and husband PA Shierwin Taay along with LGU’s Family. ( PA Shierwin is the Editor’s relatives)

 In Nueva Vizcaya, the spirit of generosity was equally felt as Bambang Mayor Benjamin “Jamie” Cuaresma III provided free gowns, cakes, and sacks of rice to his constituents, while Aritao Mayor Remelina M. Peros officiated 23 pairs, offering similar perks to help the newlyweds start their lives together without the burden of heavy expenses.

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EDITOR’S NOTES: The Power of Legal Marriages

Breaking News Online PH Analysis: The “Kasalang Bayan” is more than just a ceremony; it is a vital service provided by the City and Municipal Civil Registry Offices in towns like Gapan, Cabiao, Palayan City, and General Tinio, as well as Dingalan (Aurora), Aritao, and Bambang (Nueva Vizcaya).

By legalizing these weddings in accordance with our moral Christian tradition and biblical principle, these LGUs demonstrate a high level of leadership and commitment to their constituents. This brand of “Leadership by Example” aligns with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)‘s goal of providing excellent public service.

Ensuring that marriages are legally recorded allows families to gain full access to government benefits and social security. From the gold rings of Gapan to the Airborne pride of General Tinio, the sacks of rice from Bambang, and the surprise Feb-Ibig perks with cash gifts in Dingaleños, these celebrations reflect the Filipino’s deep respect for the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family as the foundation of our community.

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UPDATES FROM BREAKING NEWS EDITOR: A salute to love and service! ❤️ Something beautiful just happened in Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija, as PFC Alex Alvarez Lino officially tied the knot. This inspiring story has grown from a local trending highlight into a celebration shared by our global communities and provinces across Central and Northern Luzon!