A TOTAL of 18 couples tied the knot on Tuesday, October 24, during the mass wedding dubbed as "Kasalan sa DCJ 2017" inside the Davao City Jail multi-purpose covered court in Maa, Davao City in line with the National Correctional Consciousness Week 2017 celebration.
According to Jail Inspector Edo Lobenia, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Davao Chief community relations service officer, the project was implemented by the Davao City Jail Inmates Welfare and Development (IWD).
The wedding was presided by Judge Jil Rose Jaugan-Lo of the Regional Trial Court 14 (RTC 14). Clad in their gowns and barong, the couples were grateful as they could finally exchange "I Do's" with their loved ones.
All the 18 grooms are detainees. The event was made possible through the support of the Office of Davao City Councilor January Duterte, Ligangmga Barangay, Junior Chamber International Kadayawan, El Bonita Event, Philippine Association of Wedding Planners, and the City Mayor's Office.
BJMP Jail Superintendent Grace Taculin said that the 18 couples underwent thorough screening and submitted the necessary requirements. They also underwent orientation like the usual couple but inside the jail.
"This is to strengthen the bonding. Despite that they are inside the jail, it means that there is still hope in the future meron pa ring 'forever'," she said.
This is an annual activity to give chance for the inmates to marry. The youngest among the groom is 20 years old while the oldest is 38 years old.