ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The island of Panay erupted in commemorative pride as it celebrated its 81st Liberation Day on March 18, 2026. This historic milestone honors the bravery of the 6th War District under the command of Col. Macario Peralta Jr., who led one of the most organized and effective guerrilla resistances in the Philippines during World War II, eventually liberating the island from Japanese occupation in 1945.
The anniversary, which is a special non-working holiday in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan, and the city of Iloilo, serves as a poignant reminder of Filipino resilience. Local government units (LGUs) across the region held simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies and military parades to pay tribute to the dwindling number of surviving veterans who fought for the island’s freedom.
“The liberation of Panay is a testament to the fact that when Filipinos unite for a common cause, no force is too great to overcome,” a regional veteran affairs official stated. “As we face a ‘Third Wave’ of global economic challenges and the ‘diesel double whammy,’ we draw strength from the grit and determination shown by our forefathers 81 years ago.”
The 81st Anniversary celebrations featured several key commemorative events:
- Balantang Memorial Cemetery Ceremony: A solemn tribute was held at the only National Shrine in the Visayas, where thousands of guerrillas who died during the liberation are interred.
- Veteran Recognition Awards: LGUs provided special financial assistance and medical kits to the remaining centenarian veterans, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their welfare amidst rising inflation.
- Freedom Trail Tours: In collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), local heritage groups organized tours of key historical sites, including “Guerrilla Headquarters” and landing sites used by the Allied forces.
- Educational Webinars: Several universities and colleges, despite shifting to online classes due to the transport strike, integrated Panay’s liberation history into their virtual curricula to ensure the youth remain connected to their local heritage.
The celebration comes at a time of significant regional growth. The Bicol-to-Visayas trade routes, recently bolstered by DPWH repairs on the Andaya Highway, have seen an uptick in “heritage tourism,” with more Filipinos traveling to Panay to explore its rich history and world-class beaches.
Local leaders also used the occasion to highlight Panay’s modern-day “liberation”—achieving energy and water security through initiatives like the solar-powered irrigation systems being pushed by House Agri Chair Enverga. By reducing the region’s “addiction” to expensive fossil fuels, leaders hope to liberate the local economy from the volatility of global oil prices.
As the second quarter of 2026 begins and the Amihan season fades, the spirit of “Free Panay” remains a vital part of the regional identity. For the people of Panay, March 18 is not just a look back at the past, but a call to action to remain resilient in the face of modern-day economic and social battles.