Today, May 28, marks the beginning of a significant commemoration known as National Flag Day — a day that holds profound meaning in our national identity and collective consciousness as a nation.  It is a day when we reflect the historical importance of our flag and the values it represents.
On this day in 1898, our flag was first unfurled on Philippine soil, an inspiring moment that followed after the triumph of the Philippine Revolutionary Army against the Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan, in Imus, Cavite. This event planted the first seeds in our nation’s journey toward independence.
Recognizing this pivotal event in our history, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Presidential Proclamation No. 374 on March 6, 1965. This declared the “28th day of May each year as Flag Day and (enjoining) all government officials and employees as well as private citizens of the Philippines to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies.”
Building upon this foundation, President Fidel V. Ramos further “enhanced” the one-day event and issued Executive Order No. 179, signed on May 24, 1994. This EO extended the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12. It mandated the “prominent display of the National Flag in all buildings, establishments, institutions of learning, and homes” and “all government departments, agencies, offices, government owned and controlled corporations, instrumentalities, and local government units.”
“The National Flag, which symbolizes patriotism, love of country, and sense of nationhood, and embodies the aspirations and sentiments of the Filipino people in their unceasing quest for freedom and independence, can be instrumental in raising the level of socio-civic consciousness of the Filipinos, especially among the youth,” the EO said.
As we honor the Philippine flag, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines and prohibitions as outlined in Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” also signed by President Ramos. These rules exist to safeguard the dignity, respect, and reverence owed to our symbol of national sovereignty.
In fact, “reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols, which embody the national ideals and traditions, and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.”
It is quite disheartening that there are still some Filipinos who continue to exhibit ignorance and fail to adhere to proper flag etiquette. There are even social media posts depicting the flag used as part of fashion or cover for walls and objects. Such disregard for our flag’s sanctity must not be allowed and those who violate protocols must be charged with the appropriate penalties.
From today until June 12, take time to review and familiarize the “Flag and Heraldic Code” in order to learn how to properly display and honor our flag. Our flag is not merely a piece of cloth but a powerful reminder and representation of what makes us Filipino. Let us give it our utmost reverence and the respect as the blood, sweat, and tears of our past heroes from Lapulapu to Jose Rizal, and our modern-day heroes such as the millions of OFWs and the medical frontliners of the pandemic, are part of each thread of the flag.
Honoring the flag is also honoring their sacrifices; for without them, we cease to be a free, healthy, and peaceful nation.