SUBIC TOWN, Zambales — Some 164 couples have tied the knot on Tuesday here as part of the pre-Valentine’s Day celebration in coordination with Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The couples were wed by Mayor Jay Khonghun under the program dubbed “Just You and Me, Be my Baby” as part of the local government’s thrust to strengthen the union of the family.
Eight indigenous couples took part in the mass wedding ceremony held at the Aningway-Sacatihan.
Among the eight indigenous couples, the oldest couple was Sulong David and Enggay Cosme who were both born in San Marcelino and has since lived in the Municipality of Subic. The Davids have been living together here for a long time and already have grandchildren.
To the Davids, their marriage marks their commitment to each other.
Khonghun acted as principal sponsor of the 164 newly-wed couples along with his father Congressman Jeff Khonghun, brother Provincial Board Member Jon Khonghun, Board Member Jose Gutierrez Jr., Board Member Wilfredo Felarca Jr., Vice Mayor Jose Felarca, along with the municipal councilors.
“This is a yearly event that we came up with to help those who want to get married but do not have the financial capacity to do so. Most of it is financed by the local government, including the food, the registry, the photobooth, they only need to put on their best attire for their momentous occasion,” Khonghun said.