The Iloilo provincial government will participate in the 125th Independence Day celebrations in Manila this Wednesday, June 12, on the invitation of Malacañang.
This gives the province an opportunity to highlight its historic contributions and vibrant culture in a grand parade of local government floats at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. The parade begins at 8:00 in the morning.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. confirmed that Iloilo’s float will prominently feature the “Cry of Santa Barbara” to commemorate the first time the Philippine flag was raised outside Luzon on November 17, 1898, in the town of Santa Barbara.
This historic moment is a significant part of Iloilo’s rich heritage.
The province’s float will also spotlight the beautiful dance drama from the Kahilwayan Festival, celebrating freedom and Iloilo’s rich cultural history.
The float will pay tribute to General Martin Delgado, a notable hero who led the Ilonggo revolutionaries in their fight against Spanish colonizers.
“Our float is currently under construction, and its design will highlight various symbols and landmarks related to Iloilo’s role in gaining freedom from Spanish rule,” Defensor stated.
Defensor will attend the parade along with Vice Gov. Christine Garin, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, provincial board members, mayors, department heads, and committee members of Iloilo.
This marks the first time that the Iloilo provincial government has been invited to participate in the Independence Day celebration at this scale.
Other local governments, including Candon City in Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Cavite, Aurora, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, Jolo in Sulu, and Zamboanga City, as well as various government agencies, will present their floats.
Each participating local government unit has a historical connection to the first Philippine Republic.
Nereo Lujan, head of the Provincial Public Information and Communication Affairs Office, confirmed that the float presentation is a contest with a grand prize of P1 million for the champion.
