A flag is the most important symbol of a nation which represents its ideals, traditions, and its people. It is a reminder of freedom and independence, especially for a country like the Philippines which had been under foreign rule for hundreds of years.
Citing the need to instill honor, respect, and reverence to the Flag, the late former president Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 374 on March 6, 1965, declaring May 28 as National Flag Day in honor of the Philippine Flag’s first unfurling after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898.
To allow Filipinos to collectively reflect on its significance, the late former president Fidel Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179 on May 23, 1994. This extended the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12, the day when the Philippine flag was waved in full view following the proclamation of independence in Kawit, Cavite.
All Filipinos are encouraged to display the flag for 15 days in private offices, government agencies, business establishments, learning institutions, public squares, embassies and consulates overseas, and even in private homes.
Leading to the celebration today, the facade of the National Museum on May 25 was lit up with the colors of the Philippine Flag— blue, white, yellow, and red— in preparation for the commemoration of the National Flag Days.
In Manila, various banners and electronic billboards have been installed to commemorate the event and remind the public of the National Flag Days from May 28 to June 12, the 126th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will hold a flag ceremony at the Rizal Park today, May 28, at 8 a.m. There will also be flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at the Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat in Alapan II-B, Imus, Cavite. Around the country, government agencies and public institutions will also hold simultaneous flag raising ceremonies today.
According to the NHCP, residents of Taal, Batangas, will join the simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies today to also mark the 78th death anniversary of Marcela Agoncillo on May 30. Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Natividad, the niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, spent five days hand-sewing the first official Philippine Flag in Hong Kong in 1898. Because of that, she was given the title, “The Mother of the Philippine Flag.”
Let us fly the Philippine Flag with pride!