160 couples in Naga to tie knot in mass wedding

CEBU, Philippines - At least 160 couples are expected to exchange vows in a mass wedding in the City of Naga on September 5, the marriage ceremony being one of the highlights of the city's fourth charter day celebration.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, invited to stand as the major sponsor, may attend the event.

City administrator Arthur Villamor said that as of yesterday no word has been received from the vice president's office.

This would be the first time Naga, since it became a city in 2007, would host a mass wedding this big, said Villamor.

"Everything is free; all the necessary papers such as the Cenomar (certificate of no marriage) and the other fees. All they need to do is to attend the seminars and process the documents," said Villamor.

The city government has also shouldered the expenses for the reception, which is at the multipurpose hall adjacent to the St. Francis of Assisi Church, where the wedding will take place.

Meanwhile, Villamor has also urged city residents to avail of the free medical-dental mission on September 1, also another highlight of the five-day celebration of the city's charter day anniversary.

There will also be a job fair (Sept. 2), agro fair (Sept 3), fun run (Sept 4), to name a few.

It was in September 2, 2007 when the Commission on Elections proclaimed Naga as another component city of the province following a majority "Yes" vote turnout in that day's plebiscite.

Naga's cityhood is enshrined in Republic Act 9491 or an act converting Naga into a city, which was authored by first district Rep Eduardo Gullas. (FREEMAN)