By Tara Yap

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu is expected to take part in Independence Day rites, set to take place at Plaza Libertad in downtown Iloilo City.
Also expected to attend are Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Jerry Treñas, and newly-minted Atty. Allana Mae. A. Babayen-on, who was among the Top 10 to pass this year’s bar exam.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. will lead rites in Sta. Barbara, where it is believed the first Philippine flag outside of Luzon was raised.
According to Iloilo Provincial Board Member Demy Sonza, a recognized historian, while Emilio Aguinaldo declared Independence from his home in Cavite, it was in Iloilo that Spanish rule came to an end./WDJ