The winning float of Bago City, Negros Occidental during the Parada ng Kalayaan 2025 Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila symbolized the burning spirit, strength, and unyielding resilience of the Negrenses, the Bago City Tourism Office (BCTO) said on Friday.

Bago City placed second runner-up behind Santa Barbara, Iloilo’s “Sigaw ng Santa Barbara” and Candon City, Ilocos Sur’s “Ikkis ti Candon” which placed first runner-up and champion, respectively.

According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the float competition aims to promote appreciation and spread the regional history of different parts of the country, and showcase the role they played in the development and liberation of the nation.

In a statement, the BCTO said the city’s entry in the historical float design contest featuring the majestic Mt. Kanlaon with its smoke-crowned summit commemorates the province’s 1898 Cinco de Noviembre revolution against the Spaniards.

“The mighty volcano serves as both a natural sentinel and a silent witness to the island’s enduring struggle for freedom,” it said.

Behind Mt. Kanlaon stands the historic Farmacia Locsin of Silay City, which served as a secret meeting place for brave Negrenses who planned the peaceful Cinco de Noviembre uprising.

“The humble building reflects the courage, strategy, and unity that defined the revolution,” the BCTO said.

The center of the float shows Bagonhon revolutionary hero General Juan “Tan Juan” Araneta, mounted on his noble steed Requinto, gripping a bolo high as he leads the march with determination.

“It symbolizes the courage and decisive leadership that spurred the surrender of Spanish forces without a single shot fired. Alongside him is the iconic rolled sawali ‘kanyon,’ a key part of the revolutionary bluff,” the BCTO said.

The Cinco de Noviembre culminated in the birth of the Republica de Negros, the island’s short-lived but proud cantonal government.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon also reminded Negrenses of their strength amidst trying times.

Bago City is one of the local government units in Negros Occidental directly affected by the eruption Mt. Kanlaon, which started a year ago.

“The eruption of the volcano once again reminded us of the strength of our people, our first responders, our healthcare workers, our volunteers, our public servants –ordinary citizens rising to extraordinary challenges,” Lacson in his Independence Day message.

“You embody the same spirit that guided our heroes more than a century ago.” (PNA)