Marcos honors top performers, float design in 126th Independence Day celebration

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. honored the winners of the Float Design and Festival Performance Competitions during the celebration of the 126th Independence Day last month.

In his speech on Thursday afternoon, Marcos hailed the creativity displayed by the participants during the event, saying that this reflects the country's origins, beliefs, and collective aspirations.

The President presented the awards during an awarding ceremony at the Malacañang Palace with First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos.

“Your creativity, passion, the spirit that brings depth and meaning to who we are as a nation. Kaya’t saludo ako sa inyong lahat,” Marcos said.

The June 12 Parada ng Kalayaan 2025 showcased vibrant cultural dances and floats, which represented the diverse traditions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

During the awarding ceremony, it was declared that the champion of the Festival Performance Competition was Maasin, Iloilo Province’s Tultugan Festival. Second place went to the Dinagyang Festival organized by the Iloilo Festival Foundation, Inc. and Iloilo City.

Meanwhile, the Maytime Festival of Antipolo City performed by the Maharlika Dance Troupe of San Jose National High School secured the third place.
 
For the Float Design Competition, Candon, Ilocos Sur won first place for Ikkis ti Candon. Iloilo Province’s Cry of Santa Barbara secured second place, while Bago, Negros Occidental’s Cinco de Noviembre Revolt won third place.
 
Marcos further expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of artists, designers, dancers, organizers, as well as support staff, float makers, and cleanup crews in making the event successful.

"We are not just preserving our culture when we do this. We preserve it for the next generation. But more so, we are living our culture. We are living it- proudly, and joyfully, and meaningfully," Marcos said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News