Bacolod: Hundreds of couples tied the knot in a Valentine's Day mass wedding rites organized by local government units across Negros Occidental over the weekend. In this highly urbanized city, Mayor Greg Gasataya officiated the wedding of 202 couples at Bacolod City College Activity Center, coinciding with Civil Registration Month. According to Philippines News Agency, each couple received a wedding cake, a bottle of wine, and special souvenirs. Jeffrey and Suzzete Suanico of Barangay 18 received the "Love Knows No Age" award and led the ceremonial signing of the marriage contract for all 202 couples. In Kabankalan City, Mayor Benjie Miranda solemnized the marriage of 132 couples at Zaycoland Resort and Hotel. Vice Mayor Divina Gracia Miranda reminded the newlyweds to be "each other's partner in joy, in sorrow, and in every challenge life may bring," adding the importance of mutual respect and love through difficult times. The city government provided each couple with wedding rings, a wedding cake, and hal f a sack of rice. Awards were given to the Oldest Couple, Loveliest Couple, Best in Gown, couples with the most number of children, and the couple with the longest cohabitation. Mass wedding rites were also held in Moises Padilla for 50 couples; La Carlota City, 45 couples; and Murcia, 25 couples. In Silay City, 56 couples got married while in E.B. Magalona, 29 couples also tied the knot on February 12.