LOVE and second chances took center stage at the Tagbilaran City Jail as couples, including persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), exchanged wedding vows in a ceremony held on February 21, 2026 at barangay Cabawan.
The jail wedding formed part of this year’s “Libreng Kasalan sa Tagbilaran” program which began on February 14, 2026 with a church ceremony at St. Joseph Cathedral and on February 15, 2026 with another batch of couples who formalized their unions in a civil wedding ceremony at the City Hall Atrium.
Mayor Jane Yap said the initiative affirms the city’s belief in strengthening families as a foundation of community development.
“In Tagbilaran, we believe that commitment builds families, and strong families build a stronger city. Love is not limited by circumstances. Where there is love, there is hope — and where there is hope, there is a future,” Yap said.
The city government, through the Local Civil Registrar’s Office led by Jubelyn Pulgarinas, the City Events, Culture and the Arts Office and in coordination with City Jail Warden Atty. Rumell Balili, organized the ceremonies with support from various partners.
Couples who participated in the program received free wedding services, including attire, hair and make-up, bouquets and corsages, decorations, photo and video coverage, sound system, wedding cake, buffet meals for families and witnesses, rice, rice cookers, and wedding rings.
The Libreng Kasalan has become an annual tradition in Tagbilaran which was institutionalized during the term of then Mayor and now First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap embedding it as a regular Valentine’s season initiative of the city government.
With this year’s ceremonies, Tagbilaran City reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal unions, strengthening families, and fostering hope across all sectors of the city including those behind bars.
