he Philippines on Wednesday commemorated National Flag Day through synchronized flag-raising ceremonies held at over a thousand locations nationwide.
In Manila’s Rizal Park, officials from various government agencies, advocacy groups, and other organizations came together to hoist the “largest flag” on the “tallest flagpole,” symbolizing unity and national pride.
“We have finally surpassed the 690 nationwide locations who joined us in 2019 to raise our flags simultaneously at 8 a.m.,” Salute To A Clean Flag founder Monique Cornelio Pronove said during the event.
“Today, there were 1,122 privately owned buildings and estates across the Philippines in Luzon, in Visayas, and in Mindanao who joined our government to raise our flags simultaneously today,” she added.
The Philippine flag was raised at Rizal Park by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), accompanied by a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by musical theater actor Leo Valdez.
Arturo Valdez, the leader of the Philippines’ first expedition to conquer Mount Everest in 2006, likewise led the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat. Meanwhile, actor John Arcilla delivered the Salute to a Clean Flag Manifesto, adding a symbolic call for respect and reverence to the nation’s flag.
For her part, National Parks Development Committee Cecille Lorenzana-Romero recalled the history of the Philippine flag and pointed out that “our fight did not end in Kawit, it continues today.”
“Look around you and you will see Filipinos who still fight, not on battlefields but in their daily lives. Our freedom was hard won, but it’s also hard kept. And many still protect it with quiet courage and sacrifice,” Lorenzana-Romero said.
“So as you gaze upon the flag today, think of every Filipino as a thread in its fabric. Each of us helped build and hold this nation together,” she added.
Presidential Proclamation No. 374 designates May 28 as National Flag Day, honoring the historic moment in 1898 when the Philippine flag was first raised following the Philippine Revolutionary Army’s victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite.
Additionally, Executive Order No. 179, issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos, extended the observance of National Flag Day through June 12, culminating in the celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
