ILOILO – The province of Iloilo is set to participate in the 126th Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Manila.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said Iloilo is among the 10 local government units (LGUs) invited by Malacañang to take part in the “Parada ng Kalayaan: Grand Parade of Local Government Floats” at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.
Iloilo’s float will feature Santa Barbara town’s “Cry of Santa Barbara”, a significant event in Philippine history that took place on November 17, 1898, in Santa Barbara, Iloilo. This event marked the proclamation of the Federal Republic of the Visayas and the open defiance against Spanish colonial rule in the Visayan region.
Ilonggo revolutionaries led by General Martin Delgado gathered in Santa Barbara to declare their resistance against Spanish rule. They raised the Philippine flag, symbolizing the start of the revolution in the Visayas, just five months after General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. This act was a crucial part of the broader Philippine Revolution, which aimed to achieve independence from Spanish colonization.
“We will be there (at Quirino Grandstand),” said Defensor.
Aside from Defensor, also attending the parade are Vice Gov. Christine Garin, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Provincial Board members, mayors, provincial capitol department heads, and committee member.
The flag-raising ceremony is at 8 a.m. at Rizal Park.
Defensor said the construction of the float is already underway. Its design will include iconic symbols and landmarks that represent Iloilo’s historical significance in the attainment of Philippine Independence.
“This is the first time we are invited to join the Independence Day parade at the national level,” he said.
The other LGUs that will showcase their floats are Candon City in Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Cavite, Aurora, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Jolo in Sulu Province, and Zamboanga City. These LGUs have historical events associated with the First Philippine Republic. Various national government agencies will also join the float parade. (With additional reporting from Capitol News)/PN
