Sta. Barbara takes spotlight on Independence Day

Senate President Franklin Drilon confirmed today (June 10) that President Aquino would grace with his presence the country’s 117^th Independence Day celebration at Santa Barbara in Iloilo on June 12, Friday.

Drilon said that the President decided to attend the flag-raising in Santa Barbara because it was there that the Visayans raised the Philippine flag in November 1898 and established a revolutionary government under General Martin Delgado.

The traditional vin d’ honneur, in which the President, along with members of the diplomatic corps, would toast the country’s independence will follow.

More than 100 ambassadors are expected to attend the celebration, along with officials of the three branches of government, Drilon said.

Drilon said the people of Iloilo would use the occasion to showcase the progress that has been made under President Aquino’s “daang-matuwid” advocacy. -end-