The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, along with other government agencies, encouraged the public to join in the celebration of National Flag Days which will run from May 28 until June 12, or Independence Day.
A nationwide simultaneous flag ceremony was held yesterday, as Flag Days kicked off, and Filipino establishments were urged to hold their respective flag ceremonies.
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.
All Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies, and instruments of government, business establishments, schools, and private homes throughout this period.
Flag Days, which will end on our Independence Day, give us the opportunity to display our patriotism and remind all Filipinos that our country is worth fighting for. For this year, the flag days gain a bit more relevance, especially in light of China’s aggression, harassment, and outright bullying in the waters of our own Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea. As we have to be reminded to fly the national emblem over our homes, businesses, and places of work in the next few days, let us also take the time to reflect upon the challenges that Filipinos in marine vessels of all sizes bearing the same flag face when accessing that part of our sovereign territory, where the neighborhood bully has somehow been allowed to reign supreme.
Let us all work together as a nation to ensure that we can always fly our flag without fear or harassment, especially when we are within the confines of our own sovereign territory.*
