Members of the Dumagat Tribes, Twenty-five (25) pairs to be exact, exchange their vows at the newly unveiled love destination of the future in San Jose Del Monte (SJDM), Bulacan. The Dumagat Tribes are one of the many Indigenous People in the Southern Luzon area, and some of them are settled in this part of Bulacan, The Rising City.





Under the leadership of Mayor Arthur Robes and his partner on and off Public Service, Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes, the first-ever Kasalang Bayan happened at The Rising HeARt marker, which is part of the bid to be recognized as one of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). It is meant to be a perpetual reminder to all of us that the world, despite the chaos, will always be governed by peace, love, and compassion towards one another. It is accompanied by a heart-shaped structure that serves as a love lock repository just like the ones that you see in Paris and Korea.




The Mass Wedding or the "Kasalang Bayan" is the initiative of Team Robes in bringing the sanctity of marriage to their fellow San Josenos, especially the ones who cannot find the means to spend money for such union. Just like what their Tribe Leader, Mr. Benjamin San Jose said in an interview, "ito po yong hiling ko sa ating Congressman at atin pong Mayor na mabigyan po kami ng pagkakataon na magkaroon po ng kasalang tribu po sa amin. Dahil sa nakikita ko po nung aking panunungkulan... yong kanilang pamumuhay hindi nila maisakatuparan ang pagpapagawa ng kasal. Kaya sa pamamagitan po nito... dahil sakop sa kanilang pamumuhay ay hindi nila maisakatuparan yan dahil kinakapos sila sa pang-araw-araw... kaya ito po ang aking ginawa na tanging pamamaraan upang mabigay ko na tulong sa kanila..." According to Mr. San Jose this is his way of helping his tribesmen by asking the good Mayor Arthur Robes and Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes for a mass wedding, which was granted and made extra significant because it was held in a special place few days before Valentine's Day.


"This is just one of the many ways for us to embrace the indigenous peoples who are part of our community," said Mayor Robes. "They can continue with their traditions but, at the same time, they can be part of the bigger community. They're one of us. Officiating a wedding ceremony for them is a great honor. I thank them for letting me become a part of their special day."



The couples, who wore their tribal ensembles, exchanged their "I dos" and Mayor Robes made their unions official.



Mayor Robes stated, "The Rising HeARt marker is really living up to its name. The mass wedding happened at the perfect time, as Valentine's Day is already very near. There's no better way to celebrate it."