Iloilo City Celebrates Philippine Independence Day
ILOILO CITY – This city and Santa Barbara town in Iloilo province honored the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12 with meaningful ceremonies. The celebrations highlighted the significant roles these places played in ending over three centuries of Spanish rule.
Santa Barbara is historically notable for being the site where General Martin Delgado, a key Ilonggo revolutionary leader and the first Filipino governor of Iloilo, declared the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Visayas on November 18, 1898. This town also witnessed the first raising of the Philippine flag outside Luzon, a momentous event in the country’s fight for freedom.
Santa Barbara’s Pivotal Role in Revolution
On Christmas Day in 1898, Spain officially surrendered its colony at Plaza Libertad in Iloilo when Spanish Governor General Diego de los Ríos handed control over to the Visayan revolutionary forces. Local leaders noted that this marked a turning point in Philippine history, symbolizing the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Visayas.
Iloilo’s Complex Role During Revolution
Historian and former Vice Governor Demy Sonza explained that Iloilo’s role was complex and at times contradictory. At the start of the Philippine Revolution in 1896, Iloilo initially sided with the Spaniards. The Ilonggo elite even sent a battalion to Luzon to support Spanish forces against General Emilio F. Aguinaldo’s revolutionary troops.
Despite this, Iloilo also gave rise to revolutionary inspiration. It is the birthplace of journalist Graciano Lopez Jaena, born on December 18, 1856. As the first editor of the newspaper La Solidaridad, Jaena’s writings exposed Spanish abuses and fueled the revolutionary spirit across the islands.
Remembering the Past, Inspiring the Future
The ceremonies held in Iloilo City and Santa Barbara serve as reminders of the region’s vital contributions to the nation’s independence. Through these commemorations, locals and visitors alike reflect on the sacrifices and courage that helped shape Philippine history.
For more news and updates on Philippine Independence Day, visit Filipinokami.com.