Manila, June 11 -- The municipality of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo will mark the 127th Philippine Independence Day on Thursday with a simple yet meaningful ceremony honoring the town's vital role in the country's struggle for freedom.

Sta. Barbara tourism officer Irene Magallon said the town's participation in the 1898 Philippine Independence movement makes the annual celebration deeply significant.

"We are included in the freedom trail of Philippine Independence in 1898. That's why every Independence Day we commemorate. That is one of the highest forms of giving reverence and honor to your heroes," Magallon said in an interview on Wednesday.

Magallon said that on Thursday, they will have the flag-raising using their 20x40 feet Philippine fla...