Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mahinog joins whole nation in celebration of the Philippine National Flag Day

MAYOR ALEX R. JAJALLA has issued today a directive to all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning, and private homes to display the Philippine national flag in their respective public buildings, schools, homes and establishments.

Republic Act No. 8491 prescribed the period from May 28 to June 12 of every year as Flag Days.

In line with this celebration, a flag raising and simple program was held at the lobby of the municipal hall attended by government officials and employees from local and national agencies.

Mayor Jajalla said this celebration exhorts every Filipino that the Philippine national flag is the singular symbol of the country defining our unity, shared destiny and love of country, adding that, “this celebration therefore should also remind us of our need to unite and help one another to achieve progress and development as one nation and one people.”

History of the Philippine Flag

According to historical books, the Philippine national flag was a brainchild of President Emilio Aguinaldo.Our veneration of our national flag is many times more meaningful if we know the distinctive meanings embedded in each element in it.

The colors symbolize certain values: the red field means that Filipino valor is second to none.The white field means that Filipinos are capable of governing themselves.

The sky blue field signifies the loftiness of the Filipino struggle for freedom.

The equilateral triangle represents the Katipunan ideals of Liberty, Equality, and the Brotherhood of Men.

The three stars represent the three major geographical subdivisions of the Philippine archipelago, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.The points in each star represent all the islands that make up these major geographic subdivisions.

The eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces declared by the colonial government to be in a state of war (an estado de Guerra) during the revolution.

Our national flag is further distinguished from all other national flags.When the red field is up and the blue field is below, it signifies that the country is at war.

Let us respect our national flag. It not only represents our national identity but is the flag that was colored by the blood of our forefathers and enshrined by their sacrifices. It is the country’s most cherished symbol. It is the nation’s emblem for freedom. It symbolizes patriotism, love of country and sense of nationhood; it embodies the aspirations and sentiments of the Filipino people.

Offering Respect for the Flag

Our flag is a very important symbol of the democratic Philippine Republic and all that it stands for.

By showing respect and affection for the flag, we are reminding Filipinos of the disciplined, tolerant, caring and hardworking people we want to always be.

When conducting the flag ceremony, it shall be simple and dignified.Always play or sing the Philippine National Anthem at the ceremony.

During flag-raising, the assembly shall stand facing the flag. At the first note of the National Anthem, the flag is to be raised briskly.All persons present shall stand at attention, and salute the flag by placing their right palm over their breast.

During flag lowering, it shall be lowered slowly, so that it is at the bottom of the mast at the sound of the last note of the anthem.A salute similar to that of the flag raising is required during the flag lowering.

The flag is to be handled reverently, and should never touch the ground when raised, lowered or transported.

When to display the flag?

All private buildings and homes are to display the flag from sunrise to sunset on national and special holidays proclaimed by the President-such as the Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), National Flag Day (May 28), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (last Sunday of August), Bonifacio Day (November 30), and Rizal Day (December 30).

Government offices shall display the flag everyday, from sunrise to sunset.

How to display the flag?

When flown from a flagpole, the blue field should be on top in time of peace, and the red field on top in time of war.

When flown in vertical hanging position, the blue field should be to the right when viewed (left side of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field should be to the right in time of war.

When flown with other flags, when used with the flag of the Armed Forces or civic organizations, or that of another nation, the Philippine flag should always be above or on the right of the other flag.

When in a parade with flags of other countries, the Philippine flag should be in the center and in front of the other flags.

Nothing should ever cover or decorate the surface of the flag.The flag should always occupy the highest place of honor and shall not be placed under any picture, or below a person.

Never use the flag as a staff whip, covering for tables or curtain for doorways.

Never display a tattered or worn flag.Dispose of it by burning so as to avoid an old flag being thrown into the garbage. (Mahinog Municipal Information Office)

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