Iloilo bags grand champion title in Independence Day float parade

The province of Iloilo won the grand champion title in the float category at the Parada ng Kalayaan during the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manila.

Their winning float depicted the 'Cry of Sta. Barbara,' a significant event where Ilonggo revolutionaries raised the Philippine flag for the first time outside of Luzon.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. received the trophy and a P1-million cash prize from Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Chairperson Lisa Guerrero Nakpil of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The province's float bested nine other participating local government units.

This commemoration highlighted the historical significance of the 'Cry of Sta. Barbara,' symbolizing the unity and determination of Filipinos and contributing to a unified national identity.