ILOILO CITY – The province of Iloilo is set to defend its crown in the Parada ng Kalayaan (Freedom Day Parade) in Manila in the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration on Thursday, June 12.
Similar to last year, the float depicted the Cry of Santa Barbara, the pivotal moment when the Ilonggos finally took arms against the colonialists despite having defended initially defended the Spaniards.
The float bested nine other local government units (LGUs) that participated in the competition.
Unlike last year, there is no performance from the Kahilawayan Festival of Santa Barbara town where a Philippine flag was believed to have been raised for the first time outside of Luzon in November 1898.
In lieu of Kahilwayan Festival, the Tultugan Festival of Maasin town is representing Iloilo in the festival performance competition.
The Tultugan depicts the heritage and culture of Maasin that is anchored on its thriving bamboo industry.
Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. is leading the delegation of the provincial government with key department heads joining the parade. Also joining is Mayor Francis “Ansing” Amboy of Maasin.