As the nation marked the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12, local and regional leaders gathered in the historic municipality of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, to honor the revolutionaries of the past while calling on citizens to unite against the modern threats of poverty, illness, and injustice.

Anchored on the theme “Kalayaan, Kasaysayan, Kinabukasan,” the commemorative event highlighted the town’s pivotal role in the country’s fight for liberty, while shifting the spotlight to the “everyday heroes” fighting today’s socio-economic battles.

Santa Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial opened the ceremonies by challenging the public to use the freedom gained over a century ago to combat present-day crises.

“The freedom we gained 128 years ago should be used against the present threats to our nation to ensure a better future for our children,” he said.

Superficial outlined the modern enemies as poverty, illiteracy, corruption, and emerging diseases.

The mayor also stressed the urgent need to address environmental and systemic issues, calling for a reduction in fossil fuel dependency to mitigate the energy crisis and climate change, as well as a move away from “too much politics which rapidly destroys the public trust.”

The celebration held profound local significance as Santa Barbara is the hometown of General Martin Delgado, the prominent Visayan revolutionary leader who led the fight against Spanish forces in Panay.

Delgado’s descendants, the Yogado family, were in attendance to mark the occasion.

Addressing the crowd, Iloilo Second District Representative Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta reminded her constituents that while the era of generals leading armed revolutions has passed, the fight for true freedom continues on different fronts.

“We are still having our battles… Our fight against poverty is still existing. We still fight for freedom from illnesses, both emerging diseases and chronic illnesses,” she said.

The lawmaker emphasized that true freedom is “not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice.”

The congresswoman paid an emotional tribute to modern-day heroes who have taken up the mantle of service: doctors and healthcare workers sacrificing family time; dedicated teachers; barangay health workers (BHWs); drivers; and ordinary citizens who step up during emergencies or help neighbors struggling with mental health crises.

Looking forward, Gorriceta announced upcoming collaborative programs with Mayor Superficial, local officials, and Provincial Governor Arthur Defensor aimed at empowering the youth, assisting senior citizens, and improving the overall quality of life for Santa Barbara residents.

Department of Tourism (DOT-6) Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, who served as the keynote speaker, contextualized the day’s celebrations within Santa Barbara’s unique place in Philippine history.

“Santa Barbara itself occupies a special place in Philippine history. It is here where the revolutionary government of the Visayas was inaugurated, and where the Philippine flag was first raised outside Luzon in triumph,” she noted.

Rodriguez emphasized that freedom is an “ongoing journey” and not automatically inherited, but rather something that must be nurtured through daily actions and a commitment to the common good.

The region’s tourism chief also highlighted the vital role of tourism in nation-building.

Rodriguez noted that responsible tourism governance ensures that cultural treasures and historical landmarks—like those in Santa Barbara—are protected and promoted.

“Tourism is more than an economic driver; it is a powerful platform for preserving our heritage, strengthening our national identity, and empowering communities,” she explained.

The 128th Independence Day rites concluded with a shared sentiment among leaders and citizens: that honoring the history of Santa Barbara’s revolutionaries is best achieved by working together to secure a progressive, just, and sustainable future for all Filipinos.IMT