CAPAS, Tarlac (Nov. 22, 2025) – The community of Barangay Sta. Juliana was filled with joy and celebration on November 20, 2025, as 40 couples, predominantly from the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, formalized their unions in a mass wedding ceremony dubbed “Kasalang Sitio.”
The event, a flagship program of the Capas Local Government, aims to bring civil registration services directly to remote communities and legalize the long-term partnerships of residents.
Led by the Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar under Atty. Marco Polo E. Cunanan, the couples exchanged vows and pledged their lifelong commitment before the law and their faith. The ceremony was personally officiated by Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, with Vice Mayor Alex C. Espinosa, IPMR Victor Valantin, and the entire Sangguniang Bayan serving as principal sponsors.
Echoing the sentiment of support, Vice Mayor Espinosa encouraged the newlyweds to nurture their relationship, saying, “Pauli ng Mayor Boots, pagbukluran na kayu, maging legal na ing pamiyabe yu at sana mas lalu yung palablaban itang pamikalugud yu bilang metung a miyasawa.”
In his address, Mayor Rodriguez offered both congratulations and a humorous yet firm reminder to the grooms, stating, “”Kayari na ning kasal, ikayung lalaki enako pwedeng mag-girlfriend–bawal na, uling legal na kayung kasal–makatali na kayu. Ikaming manungkulan alub mi namu na maging legal na ing pamiyabe yu bilang miyasawa.”
The celebration was highlighted by the inspirational union of 79-year-old Rodolfo and 78-year-old Elsa. After building a life together with seven children, 15 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, the couple took the opportunity to legalize their partnership for the first time, receiving a resounding applause as the “Oldest Couple” of the event.
Their story served as a powerful testament that, as the event celebrated, “Kahit kailan pa man, hinding-hindi pa huli ang lahat para sumumpa ng walang hanggang pag-ibig” (It is never too late to pledge eternal love).
The Kasalang Sitio successfully wove together community, governance, and the timeless promise of marriage, leaving Barangay Sta. Juliana buzzing with the festive spirit of a true “fiesta of love.”
