By Mariela Angella Oladive
Days before the 127th Independence Day celebration, the Municipality of Maasin is ready to represent Iloilo province in the 2025 Independence Day Festival Performance Competition at Rizal Park in Manila on June 12.
Maasin’s delegation will showcase the renowned Tultugan Festival, a cultural performance that highlights the town’s heritage of bamboo percussion instruments.
The festival joins other top entries nationwide, including Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, represented by Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School.
Mayor Francis Amboy led the send-off ceremony on June 5, where the group previewed their performance before members of the Iloilo provincial government.
The Tultugan Festival qualified for the national competition after winning the Dinagyang Festival’s Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan championship in both 2024 and 2025.
Alongside Maasin, the Municipality of Santa Barbara will also compete as it defends its title in the Parada ng Kalayaan Float Competition.
Santa Barbara claimed last year’s top prize with a float depicting the historic Cry of Santa Barbara, a pivotal event in the Philippine revolution against Spanish rule.
This year, the town aims to continue its winning streak with another historically inspired and visually striking float.
The float parade will feature entries from local government units and national agencies recognized for their contributions to Philippine history and nation-building.
Maasin and Santa Barbara carry the banner of Iloilo province in this year’s festivities, which are expected to draw large crowds and national attention.
The Philippines observes Independence Day every June 12, commemorating the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain.
It also honors the first official raising of the Philippine flag at Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.
