The Iloilo Provincial Government will turn over to the municipality of Santa Barbara the ₱1 million cash prize of Iloilo for being the grand champion in the First Sparks of Freedom (Historical) Float Competition during the recently concluded 126th Independence Day celebration.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the cash prize is intended for heritage development projects in the historic town of Santa Barbara to further promote and preserve the province’s rich culture and history.
“They might use it for the next Cry of Santa Barbara (celebration),” Defensor said.
Iloilo’s winning float “The Cry of Santa Barbara” honours the establishment of the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas that occurred in Santa Barbara on November 17, 1989.
Governor Defensor led the Iloilo delegation during the 126th Philippine Independence Day Parada ng Kalayaan (Parade of Floats) on June 12, 2024, at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.
The governor took pride in Iloilo’s victory and participation in the Independence Day celebration as it cemented the province on the map of the country’s history, culture, and heritage.
Iloilo bested ten other LGUs that participated in the competition. The 11 chosen LGUs have significant historical events that contributed to the attainment of freedom in the country.
“We want also to put the province of Iloilo in the consciousness of the whole country in terms of history. We are on the map of the history, heritage, culture, and arts of the whole country. And we did that. Because our float is not just a float; it is an installation art,” Defensor said.
The provincial government has allotted P2 million for the fabrication, installation, and dismantling of the float.
From Manila, it will be displayed at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby for two weeks and will be transferred to Santa Barbara for a public exhibit.
(𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑽𝒊𝒄 𝑨𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒐/𝑼𝑷𝑽 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏)
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