FIFTY-FIVE couples tied the knot at a mass wedding held at the gymnasium of Isabela town Friday morning, April 20.
Isabela Mayor Joselito Malabor solemnized the occasion which is part of the first ever Ati, Bukidnon, Tumandok Festival that started from April 15 to 21.
Malabor, who is also a pastor, said marriage is sacred and the couple should have faith in Jesus Christ.
"You should read the Gospel of the Lord to receive more spiritual blessings. I want the people of Isabela to have faith in God to solve our problems, especially on poverty," he said.
He added that they will make livelihood programs for the residents of Isabela so that they will be blessed.
Malabor said more than two billion people around the world suffering from hunger so Isabela should be thankful for the blessings that they enjoyed.
"We should be thankful always. Give thanks to God in everything, that is very easy to do in our daily lives," Malabor said.
The mass wedding was witnessed by the municipal officials and the couples also received a token.
Malabor said the recent shooting incident at Barangay Bulad did not affect the peace and order of the Ati, Bukidnon, Tumandok Festival.
He said they requested an augmentation from Regional Mobile Groups and Philippine Army to ensure the safety of the public.
On April 9, three people were killed while two others were injured after suspected members of the New People's Army-Special Partisan Unit.
Malabor said several programs were lined up and that today is the highlight of the Ati, Bukidnon, Tumandok Festival, which he conceptualized due to the presence of indigenous people's communities in town.