A happy heart’s day indeed for forty-five couples as they exchanged vows, becoming as one, in a mass wedding dubbed as Kasalang Barangay 2012 officiated by the City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian.

The participants, together with few of their relatives and witnesses, brought together as early as 4:00 a.m. at the Museo Valenzuela, Barangay Marulas, wearing their traditional white gowns and barong tagalog.

This is a long waited day for the oldest bride, 41-year old Margareth Acot who had been living with Ricardo Reyes, 38, for thirteen (13) years. Their relationship was blessed with three children. “We are very happy that finally we legally become a couple. This is really a blessing for us since we cannot afford an expensive wedding,” Margareth said in Filipino.

The youngest bride to participate was Mary Ann Doria, 20, who married Vely Feliciano, 28, whom she has two kids with. Mary Ann stated in Filipino, “I want to give gratitude to the City Government of Valenzuela, especially to Mayor WIN in holding this event. Even at my early age, I want to give my kids the example and feel of having parents united in marriage.”

The event was telecast live via GMA 7’s morning show, Unang Hirit, with co-hosts Drew Arellano and Susan Enriquez covering the whole event.

“This is just a start of giving gratitude to Valenzuelanos in their continuous cooperation and contribution in making the Valenzuela a well-recognized city in the country. Expect more quality services to be delivered in the entire year ahead,” said Mayor WIN Gatchalian.

“We hold mass wedding ceremonies to different barangays every month aside from our weekly schedule, which we usually hold at the Social Hall of the New City Government Complex. The Kasalang Barangay primarily aims to legally bind couples who are living together for quite some time to help them benefit from a number of government programs.” Mayor WIN said.

The occasion was made possible through the efforts of the City Special Projects Office headed by Ms. Dorothy Evangelista in coordination with the Public Information Office headed by Ms. Ahna Mejia.

Celebrating with the newly-weds were 2nd District Councilors Adrian Dapat, Lai Nolasco, Cecille Mayo and Lorie Natividad-Borja, and Barangay Marulas Kagawad Janina Bautista.

The Kasalang Barangay 2012 was the kick-off event of the week-long celebration of the 14th Charter Day Anniversary of Valenzuela City.