On another historic day, the province of Iloilo will showcase its rich cultural heritage and patriotic spirit at the 126th Philippine Independence Day in Manila on June 12, 2024.
Iloilo is among the 10 LGUs that will participate in the Float Parade as one of the activities of the Independence Day celebration, with its entry depicting the ‘Cry of Santa Barbara,’ a historic moment in the Visayan region’s fight for independence against the Spanish colonial rule.
Iloilo’s float is made of native materials and features the church and convent of Santa Barbara, a National Historical Landmark declared by the National Historical Institute. Accompanying the float are performers depicting the Kahilwayan Dance Drama.
The Cry of Santa Barbara is a pivotal moment in attaining independence. On November 17, 1898, this historic moment marked the inauguration of the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas, with Roque Lopez as president and General Martin Delgado as the army’s general-in-chief. Notably, it was the first instance of the Philippine flag being raised outside Luzon.
The float competition is participated by 10 LGUs with significant historical events associated with the Philippine Independence and the first 10 established government agencies. One float from the participating LGUs and one from the national government agencies will be selected as winners and will receive a cash prize of P1 million.
The 10 participating LGU floats are The Cry of Candon (Ilocos Sur); Tres de Abril Revolt (Cebu); Battle of Alapan and the Proclamation of Philippine Independence (Cavite); Establishment of the Negros Republic (Negros); Cry of Santa Barbara (Iloilo); The First Flag Hoisting in Mindanao (Surigao del Norte); Siege of Fort Pilar (Zamboanga); Lowering of Spanish Flag in Jolo (Sulu); Sige of Baler (Aurora); and First Session of the Malolos Congress and the Founding of the First Philippine Republic (Bulacan).
Another float showcasing a historical event is the Formation of the Comité Central Filipino (Overseas).
The Independence Day celebration will be highlighted with a flag-raising ceremony at Luneta Park at 8 AM and the Float Parade at 5 PM at the Quirino Grandstand.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is leading the delegates from the province of Iloilo which will include Vic Gov. Christine Garin, Uswag Partylist Jojo Ang, Santa Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial, some Provincial Board Members and Iloilo mayors, Capitol department heads, and Committee members, among others.
(Capitol News)
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