Today marks the 59th observance of Flag Day that began after President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 360 on March 6, 1965, noting that “our flag was first raised and received its baptism of fire and victory in the battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite, on May 28, 1898.” 

It was hoisted anew when President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. Thus, it has become a common practice to display the Philippine flag prominently from Flag Day on May 28 to Independence Day on June 12.

The Philippine flag embodies the hopes and aspirations of all Filipinos everywhere in the world.

Nearly two million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in over 100 countries who constitute one of the largest diaspora populations, have endeavored to excel in diverse fields of endeavor out of a sense of pride in being Filipino. Their sense of nationalism is evoked whenever they see the Philippine flag, or have the opportunity to sing the national anthem.
Filipino athletes also take pride in our flag during major athletic events such as the Olympics, the Asian Games and similar competitions.  

“On the podium, a still-tearful (Hidilyn) Diaz stood to attention saluting as she belted out her country’s national anthem at the top of her voice,” reported Reuters on July 26, 2021, the day after the Filipina weightlifter won the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

The Philippine flag embodies the hopes and aspirations of all Filipinos everywhere in the world.

Here at home, flag-raising ceremonies are commonly held on Monday mornings, while a flag retreat is done on Friday afternoons, to signal the beginning and end of a typical working week. 

It is important that the rules for properly displaying the flag are followed. According to Republic Act No. 8491, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the flag cannot be used as a trademark, or for industrial, commercial, or agricultural labels. It is also illegal to “mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, or cast contempt, or commit any act that dishonors or ridicules the flag.”

“Our presence here not only shows our commitment to honor the flag but to also the ideals and the traditions, and identity as Filipinos. It also demonstrates our commitment to fulfill our duties and responsibilities as public servants.” Thus spoke President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on March 18, 2024 at a flag-raising ceremony in Malacañang Palace to mark the 127th year of the Office of the President as an institution.

Let the annual celebration of Flag Day instill in all Filipinos a deeper appreciation for what the Philippine tricolor represents: the nobility and heroism of our nation and citizenry and our abiding commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice for all.