ILOILO — The town of Santa Barbara, the so-called cradle of the revolution against colonial Spain in the Visayas, led Western Visayas’ commemoration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12 with a symbolic giant flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of General Martin Delgado.
Delgado, a native of the town, spearheaded the liberation of Iloilo from Spanish rule and became general-in-chief of the Visayan revolutionary forces.
It was in Santa Barbara where the Philippine flag was first raised outside Luzon on November 17, 1898, just five months after independence was declared in Kawit, Cavite — underscoring the province’s historic role in the national revolution.
Mayor Dennis Superficial, along with Department of Health’s Undersecretary for Universal Health Care, Dr. Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, and military and police officials, led the rites before a crowd of residents, youth groups, veterans, and civil society representatives at the town’s public plaza.
Mayor Superficial emphasized that freedom must be grounded in real-life struggles and aspirations.
“Freedom is not just a word. It must be placed on the ground — freedom from poverty, from malnutrition, and freedom for healthcare and environmental protection,” he said in his message.
Guest speaker Dr. Palermo-Maestral echoed the call for collective national consciousness: “This year’s theme, ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan’ (Freedom, Future, History), reminds us that liberty and the nation’s future are intertwined threads that bind us. It is a call not for war, but for hope, unity, and a shared vision that Filipinos can shape their country’s destiny.”
Post-World War 2 veteran Mario Merlo, who served in Mindanao during the 1970s conflict, delivered a heartfelt recollection of sacrifice and loss, saying that the freedoms Filipinos now enjoy were hard-won.
“Many in my unit died, but it was for the freedom of the people. That is why we honor this day,” he said.
Youth representatives also took part in the commemoration, affirming their commitment to national pride.
“We celebrate Independence Day to remember our history and honor our heroes,” said a Boy Scout.
Meanwhile, a Girl Scout named Julie declared, “We celebrate not just the country’s freedom, but our identity as young Filipinos who still value nationalism.”
The event drew participation from national agencies, cultural groups, non-government organizations, and representatives from the military and police./PN
