BAGUIO CITY – Twenty-seven couples exchanged ‘I do’s’ before Mayor Benjamin Magalong who served as a solemnizing officer during the 26th Mass Wedding celebration conducted by the city government thru the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

The activity was part of the Summer Capital’s observance of Family Week that has ‘Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino sa Panahon ng Pandemya’ as its theme and ‘Urbanisasyon at Pamilyang Pilipino: Magkaagapay sa Pagpatibay at Pagpapaunlad ng Bansa’ as sub theme.

Teresito, 74, and Lydia Nieve, 66, were easily the oldest among those who exchanged ‘vows.’ The two have been together for 50 years in a union that resulted in 11 children.

Janry Ian and Mary Ann Arevalo, both 23 years old, were the youngest. They have been living together for three years, with one child.

Magalong reminded the couples to learn to set aside selfishness and be mindful of the consequences of their choices.

“It’s all about choices. Every day is a chance to choose to become good partners and good parents to your children,” Magalong said.

He expressed his congratulations to the newlyweds and at the same time wished them that their respective relationships will stay strong and their years together be ‘blessed with love, vitality and prosperity.’

CSWDO head Liza Bulayungan said a total of 1,071 couples for the past 25 years have participated and benefitted from the local government’s program.

She also encouraged the couples to give priority to their family and spend enough time with them especially their children, saying ‘this is the only lasting treasure we have.’

Also in the event were Baguio Rep. Mark Go and several members of the city council who acted as wedding sponsors.

Congressman Mark Go, Councilors Leah Farinas, Fred Bagbagen, Levy Lloyd Orcales, Elmer Datuin, and Leandro Yangot served as principal sponsors to the newly weds.