Cebu City honors 127 years of Philippine Independence

Published on:

Jun 14, 2025, 12:31 pm

Birds fly above the Philippine flag during the flag-raising ceremony marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence at Cebu City Hall.

Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal during the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Cebu City Hall.

Three women dressed in the colors of the Philippine flag — symbolizing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — perform at the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House.

The internationally renowned Lumad Basakanon Dance Group performs during the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence at Cebu City Hall.

Militant groups in Cebu hold a protest rally dubbed “HindiPendence Day” on the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

ON THURSDAY, June 12, 2025, the Cebu City Government commemorated the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence with a series of events organized by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission in partnership with various government agencies.

Festivities began with a Civic-Military Parade that started at Plaza Independencia and concluded at Cebu City Hall, showcasing the City’s pride and patriotism.

At Plaza Sugbo, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros led the official flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying rites, honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and reaffirming the City’s commitment to national unity and freedom.

Cultural performances highlighted the celebration, with the renowned Lumad Basakanon Dance Group delivering a vibrant showcase of traditional dance at Plaza Sugbo. Meanwhile, at the historic Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, three women dressed in the colors of the Philippine flag — symbolizing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — performed an interpretive dance to the patriotic song “Bayan Ko.”

Amid the celebrations, militant groups in Cebu held a protest rally dubbed “HindiPendence Day.” Marking the same occasion, the rally called attention to ongoing struggles for genuine national sovereignty, democracy, and social justice, and included a strong demand for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte.