Amid COVID-19 fears, over 100 couples tie the knot in ‘mask’ wedding in Lingayen

Despite concerns about the spread of COVID-19, a mass wedding has gone ahead in Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday.

More than a hundred couples, wearing blue surgical masks, attended the ceremony sponsored by the local government of Lingayen.

In a statement, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, who officiated the marriage ceremony, said a total of 143 couples, divided in three batches, exchanged vows on that day.

The city hall grounds became a sea of white gowns and polo shirts, dotted with the blue of the masks, which were mandatory for all.

“Punung-puno ng pagmamahalan at kasiyahan ang naganap matapos gawin ang pag-iisang dibdib ng mga ito na karamihan ay nagsasama na ngunit hindi pa pormal na ikinakasal,” the mayor said.

Prior to the commencement of the event, Bataoil noted that alcohol and protective masks have been distributed to the couples and their relatives.

“Isa-isa ding dumaan sa thermal o body temperature checking ang publiko upang matiyak na ang mga ito ay nasa mabuting kalagayan,” the mayor said.

He added: “Libre naman ang lahat ng municipal fee ng mga kinasal habang tumayong mga sponsors o ninong at ninang ang mga halal na opisyal at department heads ng bayan.”

Each couple has sealed their union with a kiss, while wearing a surgical mask.

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Meanwhile, a lot of netizens were delighted and sent the newlyweds congratulatory messages

Here’s what they said:

“Congrats and best wishes
To everyone.” – Bernardino Ranilo

“Congratulations po sa mga newly weds… 😁” – Gee-Ann Sison

“Wow new look, naka-facemask. 😷😂👍” – Jake Lopez

“Congratulations po… Humayo po kayo at magpakarami!!!” – Cheryl Vince

“Mabuhay ang mga bagong kasal.” – Ray Aquino

“Congratulations sa lahat ng ikinasal.” – Vicky Poquiz

A similar “masked” mass wedding ceremony, attended by some 220 couples, was also held in Bacolod City on the same day.

Government officials earlier ordered to cancel some concerts and ceremonies in the country amid fears that large events could lead to virus transmission.

The Philippines has recorded three cases of COVID-19, which emerged in neighboring China, where more than 75,600 cases have been confirmed after first emerging in Wuhan City.

So far, only one death has been reported in the country.