BACOLOD CITY – First in the country, a 5,000-strong human flag formation has greatly contributed to the success of the 111th Philippine Independence Day parade here over the weekend.

Themed “Kagitingan, kagalingan, at kasipagan tungo sa tunay na kalayaan,” the celebration was lauded by everyone as the first time to happen in Bacolod, and perhaps the whole country, that a human flag was organized and become part of the parade.

Councilor Homer Bais, chairman of the Independence Day celebration, said the undertaking is meant as an ultimate salute to the heroism by our forefathers to gain independence.

Parade committee chairman Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said the human flag was comprised by delegates from public schools for the red portion, while the blue was comprised by employees of the city government and other college students.

The white portion was comprised by the cadets of VMA Global College and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation.

Gamboa also said that aside from the human flag, there were 2,000 other parade participants coming from various sectors.

Adding impetus to the parade was the acrobatic exhibition of helicopter units of the Philippine Air Force during the arrival of parade participants at the grounds of the new government center, led by Pilot Capt Love Joy Sevillo, OIC-PAF-Negros. AFP Chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, a Negrense, and PAF Commanding General Oscar Rabena have extended full support to the city government for the celebration by sending the helicopter units.

Students, professionals, businessmen and other spectators were amazed by the unique celebration.

Guests of honor during the celebration were presidential deputy spokespersons Lorelie Fajardo and Anthony Golez who congratulated Mayor Evelio Leonardia for the meaningful celebration worth replicating in other areas of the country.

The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and volunteer groups maintained the smooth flow of traffic from the assembly point in Burgos-Lacson up to the new government center.

The biggest delegation recorded was from the Department of Education led by City Division Supt. Dr. Milagros Gonzales.