City Celebrates National Flag Day
May 30, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – the city government here spearheaded the celebration of the national Flag Day which starts May 28 of every year.
The program started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem spearheaded by the Baguio City Hall Choir, City officials, Police Personnel, barangay officials and students.
The simple program was held at the General Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum where the original Philippine Flag is kept and being taken cared-off by the hero’s grandson Emilio Aguinaldo Suntay III.
During his short message, Suntay said, “the patriotism and bravery exemplified by our heroes during the Philippine Revolution should never be forgotten and should remain in the hearts of every Filipino.”
The commemoration of the national flag day in the city is special as it holds the original Philippine Flag which was first displayed in battle on May 28, 1898.
It was formally unfurled during the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 by President Emilio Aguinaldo.
The design adopted the mythical sun, the triangle of masonry, the eight rays represented the first eight provinces that revolted.
The first Philippine flag was sewn by Dona Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, her daughter, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal in Hongkong.
The celebration is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 374 1965 which declares May 28 of each year as Philippine Flag Day issued by President Diosdado Macapagal to instill and perpetuate in the minds and hearts of the citizenry greater honor, respect and reverence for our flag.
Executive Order No. 179 issued on May 23, 1994 by President Fidel V. Ramos also enjoins all government departments, agencies, offices, government owned and controlled corporations, instrumentalities and the local government units to prominently display the National Flag from May 28 June 12 in all public buildings, government institutions and official residences.
The Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in coordination with the private sector, non-government organizations, and socio-civic groups is also enjoined to prominently display the National Flag in all public squares and, whenever practicable, in all private buildings and homes./Paul Rillorta
