Monumental Independence Day celeb in Sta. Barbara
The country's biggest Philippine flag will be raised anew today in Santa Barbara, Iloilo in what stands to be the biggest and most monumental Independence Day celebration for the region.
It was in this town 110 years ago that Ilonggo hero, General Martin Delgado led the victorious battle of the Philippine revolution against Spanish forces. It was to be in this town that the Philippine flag was first raised then to mark that victory.
Today's celebration will be led by Secretary Augusto Boboy Syjuco, Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and wife, Second District Representative Judy Jalbuena-Syjuco.
TESDA will further mark this day as "People's Day" with the biggest Train-For-Work job fair. A total of thirty "sending organizations" will be present to accept applications for on-the-job skills training in Japan.
"We are holding the most massive and most unique TESDA-Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO) Train-For-Work Fair where even high school graduates – 20 to 40 years old – may apply for on-the-job training in Japan with good pay for three straight years. As I have repeatedly pointed out, our country is the home of Filipino workers of the world or Pinoy WOWs. Let us not waste this opportunity to hone our skills," Secretary Syjuco in a message said.
Representative Syjuco for her part shared her honor to be part of today's Independence Day celebration.
"Santa Barbara holds the distinction of being the seat of Revolutionary Government of the Visayas that toppled the Spanish colonial regime in 1898 and of being the birthplace of a hero, General Martin Delgado. It is a distinct honor of the Second District to host these two important events – the 110th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Train-For-Work Fair," the lady solon said.
Sentiments echoed by Santa Barbara Mayor Isabelo Maquino as host municipality. TESDA family will be led by Regional Director Buen Mondejar and Provincial Director Lorena Yunque.