The province of Iloilo is among the 10 local government units (LGUs) that will participate in the 126th Independence Day celebration on June 12, 2024 in Manila to showcase its unwavering commitment to preserving freedom.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., along with Vice Governor Christine Garin, will lead the delegates including Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, provincial board members, mayors, Capitol department heads, and Committee members, among others, during the Flag Raising Ceremony at 8 a.m. at the Rizal Park.
The province and the municipality of Santa Barbara will also join the Parada ng Kalayaan: Grand Parade of Local Government Floats at 5 p.m. at the Quirino Grandstand.
The province’s float will showcase the Cry of Santa Barbara and Establishment of the Federal State of the Visayas.
Defensor said the construction of the float is already underway. It is meticulously designed and will feature iconic symbols and landmarks that embody the historical significance of Iloilo in the attainment of freedom.
“This is historic for us because this is the first time that we were invited to join the parade at the national,” he said.
Iloilo’s participation was pursuant to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Administrative Order No. 8 Series of 2023 enjoining the nation to join and participate in the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood from 2023 to 2026.
The 10 LGUs that will showcase their floats are Candon City in Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Cavite, Aurora, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Surigao del Norte, Jolo in Sulu Province, and Zamboanga City.
These are the LGUs that have historical events that led to the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.
Various national government agencies will also join in the float parade.Capitol News
