By Mariela Angella Oladive
The province of Iloilo is set to compete for the second consecutive year in the Independence Day commemorative events in Manila, aiming to defend its championship title in the Parada ng Kalayaan Float Competition on June 12 at Rizal Park.
Iloilo’s official entry in the float competition will once again be The Cry of Santa Barbara, while the Tultugan Festival of Maasin town will represent the province in the Performance Competition.
Both events are key highlights of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Officials from the Iloilo provincial government met with Mayor Francis Amboy of Maasin on March 7 to finalize the province’s participation, particularly the Tultugan Festival’s performance.
The Parada ng Kalayaan Float Competition features entries from local government units (LGUs) and agencies with historical significance in the nation’s independence.
Meanwhile, the Performance Competition showcases local festivals that reflect the cultural identity of each participating LGU.
Last year, Iloilo was crowned grand champion in the Parada ng Kalayaan Float Competition.
The Cry of Santa Barbara, which took place on November 17, 1898, marked the formal inauguration of the Revolutionary Government in the Visayas, led by Gen. Martin Delgado.
It was also the first recorded instance of the Philippine flag being officially raised outside Luzon.
