The Philippine Army encouraged Filipinos to maintain the highest respect and fervor to the Philippine flag as the country celebrates the 125th National Flag Day on Sunday, May 28.
Members of the Philippine Army's (PA) Security and Escort Battalion accord ceremonial honors during the 125th National Flag Day celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila on May 28, 2023. (Photo courtesy of PA)
“Our historical flag became more than just a symbol of our freedom, it is a noble heraldry of our country’s sovereignty, and signifies our ideals under one identity,” Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., PA commanding general, said.
“As the successors of our forefathers’ will and pride, let us always remember their courage and heroism, and uphold respect and fervor to the Philippine flag as exhibited by our forebears,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, PA vice commander, represented the Army during the celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila.
The PA’s Security and Escort Battalion joined honor guards from other major service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in according ceremonial honors as they raised the Philippine flag.
The event commemorated the date when the national emblem was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan in Imus, Cavite on May 28, 1898.
The same flag was formally presented to the people when Emilio Aguinaldo raised it on June 12, 1898 or 15 days after it was first unfurled.