SANTA BARBARA, ILOILO - Ilonggos commemorated the 125th anniversary of the historic first hoisting of the Philippine flag outside Luzon on Friday. The event, known as the "Cry of Santa Barbara," took place in the municipality of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history on November 17, 1898.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Cry of Santa Barbara symbolized the beginning of the resistance against oppression and the importance of unity for change. The event also celebrated the formal inauguration of the Revolutionary Government in Visayas led by Gen. Martin Delgado. Defensor emphasized the need for unity in addressing contemporary challenges, including economic pressures and threats to sovereignty. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Emmanuel Franco Calairo highlighted the commemoration as a reminder of unity in the pursuit of freedom. He recounted the Ilonggo revolutionaries' efforts in replicating and transporting the Philippine flag from Jaro district in Iloilo City to Santa Barbara. The anniversary celebration included a morning mass, flag-raising, wreath-laying at Delgado's monument, and a parade of 125 flags. To facilitate participation, Nov. 17 was declared a special non-working day in the municipality under Proclamation number 398, authorized by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on behalf of the President.