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ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. graced the 118th Cry of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara town yesterday.
The celebration marked the establishment of the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas led by General Martin Delgado in November 17, 1898. This was also when the Philippine flag was raised for the first time outside of Luzon.
Before the audience of government employees, barangay officials and military men, Defensor called on the people to give meaning and substance to the freedom attained due to the heroism of Delgado and other Ilonggo revolutionaries.
The present generation must work together to obtain real freedom and independence, he stressed.
“We cannot really enjoy real freedom and independence unless and until we come up with a solution that will see for us real and meaningful independence and real, meaningful and lasting peace,” Defensor added.
The governor cited the prevailing communist insurgency, Muslim rebellion, territorial dispute with China, poverty, and graft and corruption.
“Independence is meaningless unless and until we enjoy the real benefits that comes out of it,” Defensor said.
The governor also added: “Let the heroism of Gen. Martin Delgado be a reminder to us all that independence and freedom means much more than that.”
Prior to the program, a big flag was raised by Defensor, Santa Barbara mayor Dennis Superficial, 301st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Eric Uchida and other officials.
Defensor and Uchida also laid a wreath on the monument of Delgado followed by a ceremonial 21-gun salute.
Josephine Leysa, head of executive assistants of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Ismael Sueno, represented the latter.
Sueno traces his roots to Santa Barbara. (EC Garcia, Capitol News/PN)
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