Respect for the Flag
A Covenant with our Heroes

©1997 by Edessa Ramos
Published by Tambuli, January 1998, Zürich, Switzerland

The flag is the symbol of the priceless heritage of our founding ancestors bequeathed to every Filipino. Into every fiber of the Philippine flag is woven the historical sacrifices of our ancestors, many of whom gave up their lives and freedom that we may become one nation today.

The flag was sewn in 1897 by Dona Marcella de Agoncillo with the help of Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad and Lorenza Agoncillo during their forced exile in Hong Kong. It was a labor of love, a response to a request made by the fledgling revolutionary government under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. The flag was first raised in victory during the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, where the Filipino revolutionaries won over the heavily armed Spanish forces. It was officially raised during the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. The flag is a reminder of our covenant to stand as one nation, a symbol of the ideals and inspirations that bind us as a people.

The blue field stands for high political purposes and noble ideals, the white for purity and peace, and the red for bravery and heroism.

The triangle stands for equality and fraternity while the golden sun stands for liberty, freedom and light. The eight rays stand for the first eight provinces to declare freedom from Spanish colonial bondage. The three five-pointed stars represent the great geographical divisions of the country - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It is with reverence and pride that we treat and display our flag. The flag should fly only during the day, never after the sun has set. But, according to the mandate of the Philippine Constitution and consequent legislative acts, the flag is hoisted permanently in Malacanang Palace, Congress, the Supreme Court, the Monument of our national hero Jose Rizal, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Site of the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite. An Act is currently being finalzed in Congress to add more hisotrical sites to this list.

Whenever being hoisted or taken down, the Philippine National Anthem is played and every citizen within sight or earshot must stop, stand at attention, and pay respect until the ceremony is over. The flag is always handled with folded with reverence. No part of the flag may touch the ground. This kind of reverence is learned by every Filipino from childhood, both in the home and in school. It is a lasting gesture of the way every generation takes care of its heritage, a tradition that must be preserved.

The flag is not to be used in places of vice. It may never be used for covering, or unveiling, a statue or monument, nor as props or costume in public events. It may never be thrown away when worn-out, nor used for anything other than its purpose. To dispose of an old flag, it must be burned to avoid misuse or desecration.

In 1998, the Filipino people will celebrate the Centennial of Independence. This celebration has begun way back in 1992 during the Centennial of the Founding of the Revolutionary Katipunan. It was highlighted in 1996 by the Centennial of the Start of the Revolution, symbolized by the Cry of Pugad Lawin, and the Centennial of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. The road to 1998 is dotted with heroic acts and historical moments that are all being celebrated by the people in every Philippine town and province, as well as in every part of the world where the Filipino may be. The Centennial has become a movement that takes root in the hearts and minds of the people, and manifests itself in various celebrations, fiestas, publications, and the development and refurbishment of historical sites. Ideally, it is a bond that will dissolve all historical and social differences, georgraphical boundaries, and generation gaps. This will only become a reality through the effort of every Filipino.

The challenge of the Philippine Centennial is for every Filipino to renew with fervor a deep sense of historical awarness, love of country, and a commitment to work for its welfare. The Centennial is a call to lift high the Filipino spirit, and to show the world the nobility and honor of our race. It embodies our covenant with our ancestors to continue their heroic work over to the next century.

References: The 1995 infomercial produced by the Bank of the Philippine Islands, and various materials from the National Centennial Commission, Manila, Philippines.