Sta. Barbara: The municipality of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo will mark the 127th Philippine Independence Day on Thursday with a simple yet meaningful ceremony honoring the town's vital role in the country's struggle for freedom.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sta. Barbara tourism officer Irene Magallon emphasized the town's significant contribution to the 1898 Philippine Independence movement, making the annual celebration deeply significant. 'We are included in the freedom trail of Philippine Independence in 1898. That's why every Independence Day we commemorate. That is one of the highest forms of giving reverence and honor to your heroes,' Magallon stated in an interview on Wednesday.

Magallon noted that the ceremony will include the flag-raising of their 20x40 feet Philippine flag, one of the largest in the country. The event will continue with a wreath-laying at the monument of Ilonggo revolutionary hero Gen. Martin Delgado. During the centennial celebration in 1998, the municipality hoisted one of the three biggest flags in the country, measuring 30x60 feet, which is now kept by the local government.

She also mentioned that the annual commemoration has inspired other local government units to adopt similar practices. 'What we encourage is the display of the Philippine flag during flag days from May 28 until June 12 in business establishments, private and government offices, and residences. It should be observed, even flaglets,' she added.

Sta. Barbara has been a pivotal location in Philippine history as the base of the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas, inaugurated on November 17, 1898. It was also the first place outside Luzon where the Philippine flag was raised. Gen. Martin Delgado, a native of Sta. Barbara, led the campaign to liberate Iloilo from Spanish rule and was appointed general-in-chief of the Visayan revolutionary forces.

The town commemorates its historical legacy through the Cry of Sta. Barbara Festival each year. In 2024, Tribu Kahilwayan, representing Sta. Barbara, re-enacted the historic event during the Parada ng Kalayaan in Manila, winning first place for their Cry of Kahilwayan float, which will compete again this year.