On March 6, 1965, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 was issued declaring May 28 as National Flag Day to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898.
On May 23, 1994, Executive Order No. 179 was issued extending the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12.
During this period, all Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies, and instruments of government, business establishments, schools and private homes.
Nothing symbolizes a country more than its flag and during a time when Filipinos are allowing themselves to be divided into factions, the commemoration of Flag Days in the run up to the celebration of Independence Day should serve as a reminder of the need to unite behind our flag and country as we collectively struggle to lift up our nation and fellowmen battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Flag Days started on May 28 but until now, the public hasn’t seen many Philippine flags being proudly displayed by both government and the private sector. Displaying our flag with pride doesn’t only comply with our obligations to Flag Days, it is more importantly a reminder to ourselves and a statement to our fellow Filipinos, that despite the division being sown by certain personalities with selfish interests, we are still fully aware of where our priorities and loyalties lie.
Independence Day is fast approaching and there are at least five more days when Filipinos are encouraged to display our nation’s flag.It is a simple and heartfelt gesture towards a country that is currently in dire need of its people to be united behind it despite all the challenges and difficulties we have been facing over the past year.*
