The Pasig City local government hoisted new flags at the city hall and other government offices in celebration of World Flag Day on Sunday, May 28, and in preparation for Independence Day on June 12.
A disposal ceremony was held on Saturday, May 27, to burn the old, worn out flags of the city government, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
Section 14 of RA 8491 states that “a flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.”
Reusing or transforming them as rags or other items is prohibited.
The Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office (CATO) said it collected an estimated six sacks of worn flags, majority of which were incinerated and buried during rites on May 27.
(Photo from Councilor Angelu de Leon / MANILA BULLETIN)
Members of the 11th City Council, namely Councilors Pao Santiago, Kiko Rustia and Volta Delos Santos,.as well as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), under the leadership of Coach Paul Senogat, led the ceremonial rites.
The flags were burned at the Plaza Rizal; the ashes of which were buried near the statue of Gat Jose Rizal.
Some civil society organizations (CSOs), students and teachers, and other scouts groups also participated in the event.
“Ang watawat ay hindi lamang simbolo ng ating bansa. Ito ay simbolo ng ating kasaysayan, hindi lamang noong panahon ng rebolusyon laban sa mga mananakop. Ito ay larawan ng ating bansa sa bawat yugto ng kanyang kasaysayan na nagpapakita ng ating katapangan at pagmamahal sa bayan (The flag is not just a symbol of our country, but a symbol of our history, not just during the revolutionary period. It embodies our country’s whole history that shows the Filipinos’ strength and love for their nation),” Coach Senogat said during an assembly on Monday, May 29.
Mayor Vico Sotto reiterated the importance of giving reverence to the country's flag through proper disposal ceremonies, especially this coming June when many people will be buying new flags for Independence Day.
He thanked the city government officials and the BSP for conducting and facilitating the traditional rites, as well as in replacing the worn out flags.
Sotto also expressed his support for the BSP, noting that Pasig City has one of the most number of boy scouts in the whole country.
This is due to the efforts of the local government and the Schools Division Office (SDO) in providing automatic membership and shouldering the expense for the membership of boy scouts in the city's public elementary schools.
The BSP offers good ways for children to “develop character and life skills” through their programs and initiatives, Sotto added.