National Flag Day in the Philippines commemorates the day the country’s flag was first raised after the victory in the Battle of Alapan in 1898. Filipino revolutionaries led by General Emilio Aguinaldo defeated the Spanish troops, enabling the recapture of the Province of Cavite by General Aguinaldo’s troops. It was after that battle, on May 28, 1898, that General Aguinaldo unfurled, for the first time, what would become the Philippines’ national flag. It was not until June 12, 1898 however, that the flag was formally presented to the people.
The celebration of the 120th National Flag Day and “Wagayway Festival” culminates today, May 28, in Imus, Cavite. The Flag Day celebration in Imus is a prelude to Independence Day activities and festivities at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, a neighboring municipality, on June 12.
Prior to 1965, Flag Day in the Philippines was observed in October (from 1919 to 1940) and June 12 (from 1941 to 1964). In 1965, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 moved the observance of National Flag Day to May 28, the date the national emlblem was first unfurled in battle. On May 23, 1994, Executive Order No. 179 was issued stretching the period of the observance of National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12 to culminate in the celebration of Independence Day. This was reiterated by Republic Act No. 8491, dated July 28, 1997, also known was the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
National Flag Day is ushered with the raising of the national flag, and the permanent display of this national symbol from May 28 to June 12 by all government offices and agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and private residences. In recent years, the flag days have been extended until June 30.
The initial design of the Philippine flag was conceptualized by General Aguinaldo during his exile in Hong Kong in 1897. The flag sewn by Marcela Marina de Agoncillo (the wife of Felipe, the first Filipino diplomat). She was helped by her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of National Hero Jose Rizal. General Aguinaldo brought the flag to the country after his exile. Although the Philippine Flag has evolved from its original design, its colors and figures have remained. Blue signifies willingness to sacrifice oneself for freedom, peace, truth, and justice; red is for courage and patriotism; white is for liberty, equality, and fraternity. The three stars stand for the three principal regions of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Vizayas, and Mindanao. The eight rays stand for the eight provinces and city that had significant involvement in the 1896 Philippine Revolution, namely, Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. The Philippine Flag is uniquely known as the only national flag that changes in the way it is displayed – at peacetime (blue field on top) and at war (red field is on top).
As we mark the 120th celebration of National Flag Day, we are encouraged to proudly display the Philippine flag in our offices, agencies, and government buildings, business establishments, schools, and private homes. As Filipinos, we would do well to reflect on its history to develop a deeper appreciation for what it stands for and view it with pride for it is the primary symbol of our national identity.