NATIONAL FLAG DAY
(First published in The Philippine Star, May 28, 2009.)
Republic Act No. 8491 prescribed the period from May 28 to June 12 of every year as Flag days. During this period, all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning, and private homes are enjoined to display the Philippine national flag. Republic Act No. 8491 is a reminder to every Filipino that the Philippine national flag is the singular symbol of the country defining the unity of the various towns, provinces, regions and ethno-linguistic and sectoral groups of the nation. It advocates national unity, love of country, and nationhood.
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 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 down, it signifies that the country is at war.
Let us respect our national flag. It no only represents our national identity but is the flag that was colored by the blood of our forefathers and enshrined by their sacrifices.
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