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 114th 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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