PHILIPPINE FLAG: THE SPIRIT LIVES ON

DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY - There’s nothing more heartening than to see our motherland’s flag waiving high amidst the sun shining brightly up in the sky as it signifies the unity and sovereignty of our own country. A product of our forefathers’ struggle for liberty against our oppressors, the Philippine flag symbolizes the freedom and patriotism of our country playing a pivotal role in our history.

First sewn in Hongkong by Marcella Agoncillo with the assistance of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. DelfinaHerbosaNatividad, niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo designed the said flag in which each has its own meaning. 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. However, the eight rays of the sun embodies the eight regions that lead the uprising towards freedom such as Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite. The three stars represent the three regions of the country- Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

On May 17, 1898, Gen. Aguinaldo brought the flag to the country few days before the Battle of Alapan took place. On the other hand, the very first flag, spearheaded by the president of Biak naBato, was hoisted at Kawit Cavite for the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. The raising of the flag at that moment had gained a big impact to the Filipinos then especially to the family and to those people who had spared blood and even their lives just to get the country’s liberty. The spirit of the flag from then on had spread all over the country and all over the world. Since then, the flag was not just a piece of cloth, but a cloth that represents the passion and struggle of Filipinos towards independence.

But just like a forsaken house abandoned by its tenant, the value of the flag today seems to be forgotten by the present generation. Some flags were not properly displayed while others use it as their personal emblem which is far away from its significance. Some flags are also still flown despite its tattered look. This is why the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) pursued Republic Act 8491 of the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”. The Act initiates the prohibition of “adding any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, advertisements or any imprints of any nature on the flag.

Such law will give us measures on proper use of the flag that would preserve its significance to us Filipinos. The flag shall be displayed in all public establishments, educational institutions and public plazas through the year but must be properly 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, on the other hand, denotes mourning on all the places and buildings it is being displayed.

The looming significance of the flag could not be denied nowadays but we must act now proving to anyone that we are still those Filipinos who also value unity and freedom. And as we celebrate our 114^th Independence Day Anniversary, the spirit of the flag and our forefathers’ extreme desire to attain freedom against the oppressors in the past will lasts in our hearts.

Thus, the Philippine flag is as important as learning the ABC and 123. We cannot move on to what awaits for us in the future without learning the basic. Just like in our society, we cannot proceed to success, to a more progressive society without recognizing the struggles of our forefathers just to get the freedom we have long been experiencing even just valuing our flags and other heraldic things we have- the flag that represents the spirit of unity, patriotism and sovereignty. The flag of whose spirit will always live on. (Betty Lou Peñera, PIA)

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