NATIONAL FLAG DAY IN BULACAN -- Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro lead the flag-raising ceremony during the celebration of National Flag Days held in front of the Bulacan Provincial Capitol, City of Malolos, Bulacan on Monday, May 29, 2023. Also present were Board Members Romeo V. Castro Jr. and (not in photo) Allan P. Andan, Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino, and Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office Department Head Dr. Eliseo S. Dela Cruz. (Photo courtesy of Provincial Public Affairs Office)
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando urged all Bulakenyos to "always stand guard to defend the dignity, respect, and reverence to the Philippine Flag, the National Anthem, and other national symbols" which he said are the expressions of nationhood and the principles of national solidarity.
Fernando said this during the commemoration of the National Flag Day with the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan” which also kickstarted preparations for the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence celebration in the province from May 28 to June 12.
He was joined by the officials of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) including Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and PGB department heads and employees.
He also took the opportunity to remind Bulakenyos, especially those who are public servants, to be worthy of the symbol in the Philippine Flag, one of the eight rays in the sun that represent the first provinces that fought for the country’s freedom.
“Ipinagmamalaki rin natin na sa bandilang ito ay may permanenteng puwang ang dakilang Lalawigan ng Bulacan bilang isa sa walong lalawigang unang nag-aklas sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan,” the governor said.
The Philippine Flag was first unfurled during the administration of former President Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 in Cavite.
The celebration is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 374 signed by former President Diosdado Macapagal which declared the 28th of May as the National Flag Day of the Philippines and was also affirmed by former President Fidel Ramos through Executive Order No. 179, which extends the celebration from May 28 to June 12, known as "Flag Days," in commemoration of Philippine Independence Day.