Pinoys, wave that flag proudly!

Published on May 28, 2012

By Minerva Quemuel

 

Flag of the Philippines

(Foto search Stock Image; RF Royalty Free)

MANILA, May 28 (PIA) -- Today is the start of Flag Days that ends on June 12, Independence Day. Every home, establishment whether public or private, and commercial buildings are enjoined to display the Philippine Flag.

There’s nothing more soul-stirring than to see the tricolor flag waving proud and high as it signifies the unity and sovereignty of our own country. The symbol of our forefathers’ struggle for liberty against our oppressors, the Philippine flag means the ultimate freedom from bondage.

First sewn in Hongkong by Marcella Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, it was designed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic.

The white triangle in the flag stands for peace and unity while the blue color denotes patriotism and justice. The red strip signifies the valor and blood spilled for freedom and independence.

The eight rays of the sun signifies the eight regions that led the uprising against Spain, and later against the United States: Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. The three stars represent the three main areas of the country - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

When the National Flag was first hoisted in Kawit, Cavite during the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, the sight of the flag so roused the emotions of our countrymen that many wept. It is a truism that when Filipinos see the flag being raised and the National Anthem being sung in a foreign land, one gets teary eyed and emotional.

Such is the symbolism of the Flag - it is not just a piece of cloth, it is not just a design of many colors - it is the representation of what the country was and what it has come to be; it is also a representation of what the Filipino is.

But as the new generations of Filipinos have sprung, many have forgotten what the National Flag stands for: many fly tattered flags, tattered flags have been used as rags, and rag-flags are not properly disposed of.

It had so offended the sensibilities of many that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) had to publish Republic Act 8491 of the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.” The Act prohibits, “adding any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, advertisements or any imprints of any nature on the flag.”

The Heraldic Code tells the public how to use the flag properly, at all times. The flag shall be displayed in all public establishments, educational institutions, and public plazas through the year. Worn out flags shall not be thrown away but must be solemnly burned to avoid misuse. The said flags must also be replaced immediately. The flag must be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. After being lowered, it must be handled and folded properly as part of the ceremony.

The position of the flag also plays a significant role in the current state of the country. In time of peace, flags flown from the flagpole shall have its blue field on top. However, the red field is on top in times of war. Half-mast flag, denotes mourning.

Today, as we celebrate the 114th Independence Day Anniversary, the spirit of Filipino heroes and martyrs born then and now, are embodied in the flag. The flag rallies Filipinos to a common cause, so all Pinoys, wave that flag proudly! (MYQ-PIA Central Office)