THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) urged Filipinos to convey their love for the Philippines by displaying the national flag in front of their homes, schools, and offices in celebration of the National Flag Day on Sunday.

Considered as the nation’s “most cherished symbol,” the country pays tribute to the Philippine flag two weeks before the independence day to commemorate the first use of the banner on May 28, 1898 in accordance with the ​​Executive Order No. 79 signed in May 1994.

Due to this, government agencies and offices, museums, schools, private companies, and even the homes of the ordinary citizens are encouraged to raise the colors to culminate the celebration of the country’s independence on June 12.

Aside from displaying the flag in front of buildings and establishments, the NHCP will also be holding the National Flag Days celebration from May 28 to June 12 in Alapan, Imus, Cavite.

The National Flag Days aims to remember the first time the national flag has been unfurled in front of the Filipino people 125 years ago.

According to historical accounts, the National Flag Days commemorate the first use of the colors following the victory of the Battle of Alapan in 1898.

“The flag was first raised after the Battle of Alapan that occurred on May 28, 1898. The battle was fought between the Filipino revolutionaries led by Aguinaldo and Spanish troops,” the NHCP said.

“The Spanish were defeated, and the revolutionaries recaptured the province of Cavite. After the battle, Aguinaldo entered Cavite City and unfurled the would-be national flag for the first time,” it added.

The country’s current flag was created by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897 and weaved by Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo, Lorenza de Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.

Aside from the celebration in Imus, the National Parks Development Committee will also be holding a flag raising ceremony in Rizal Park on May 28 at 8 a.m.

The Stop and Salute ceremony intends to pay homage to the national flag and “give honor to the symbol that weaves the Filipino people together.”

The event will be open to the public.

Things to remember when raising the Philippine flag

There are guidelines that need to be followed when raising or displaying the flag.

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 8491, the Philippine flag should be displayed vertically, with the triangle on top for household and office displays. The blue stripe should be to the right (left of the observer) in times of peace and the red field to the right in times of war.

When flown in a flagpole, it should have its blue field on top in times of peace and red on top in times of war.

It should be noted that the colors should never be displayed horizontally unless raised in flagpoles or hung fastened by its fly.

Meanwhile, when it is displayed other than being flown from a staff, the national flag should be displayed flat, whether indoors or outdoors.

On the other hand, The Flag Code prohibits the use of the flag as festoon, tablecloth; cover for ceilings, walls, statues, or other objects; pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles; staff or whip; unveiling monuments or statues; and trademarks or for industrial, commercial, or agricultural labels or designs.

It is also unlawful to vandalize, mutilate, defile, or step on the flag; it cannot be dipped as a way to compliment or salute any person or object, or to add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements, or imprint of any nature on the flag.

The flag shouldn’t be worn, in whole or in part, as a costume or uniform, and to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise. 

It is also prohibited to be used, displayed, or be part of any advertisement or infomercial, and to display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.