Topic 4

FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (RA 8491, S. 1998)

Nationalism and Patriotism

The history of nationalism and patriotism in our country is as old as the history of humankind.
The term “nationalism” is generally used to describe two things, first is the attitude that the members of a nation
have which includes the concept of national identity such as common origin, ethnicity and cultural ties. The other
one is the actions that are members of the nation take when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-
determination. These involve having full statehood with complete authority over domestic and
international affairs. On the other hand, “patriotism” is love of and/or devotion to one's country. However,
patriotism has had different meanings over time and its meaning is highly dependent upon context,
geography and philosophy. Although patriotism is used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for
nationalism, nationalism is not necessarily considered an inherent part of patriotism. Likewise, patriotism
is strengthened by adherence to in native religion, particularly because such a community usually has its
holy place inside its motherland. This also implies evaluate preference for a specific civic or political
community.

Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one's country, an aspiration for its

continuity, prosperity, and maintaining a high regard and respect for the laws, principles and policies of
that country.

SALIENT PROVISIONS OF FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

(AS EMBODIED IN REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 OF 2002)

The Philippine Flag

A flag is a sacred and respected feature of the nation which it symbolizes. Each nation’s flag has a
specific way in which it should be displayed and folded.

Our national flag is it the symbol of our BLUE

country. It shows our unity as a people. It stands for
high ideals and noble heritage. Therefore, when you
show respect for the flag, you also show respect for RED
our country and people. One way to show respect is to
handle the flag properly.

The Philippine national flag is said to be the

primary symbol of the nation camaraderie, solidarity
and unity. It is therefore the symbol of nationalism
http://www.flagpictures.org/downloads/print/philippines1.jpg
and patriotism in our country. And so, let us learn
more about its history and origin.
 The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor with
equal bands of blue and red, and with a white equilateral triangle base at
the hoist side, at the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with it
primary rays (Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna,
Batangas and Nueva Ecija) each containing three individual rays; and
that each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star.
The sun with eight rays in the Philippine flag represents the first eight
provinces that revolted and fought for independence from the Spanish
rule – Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna,
BLUE RED
Batangas and Cavite.

The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo. The first

flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marceloa Agoncillo, her daughter
Lorenza and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of José Rizal,
the Philippines’ national hero. The flag is displayed with the blue field
on top in times of peace, and with the red field on top in times of war. downloads/print/philippines1.jpg

The Philippine flag is unique in the sense that it can indicate a state of
war when the red field is displayed on top or on the observer’s left Section 10 of RA 8491
states that when the flag is
when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle displayed on a wall during at
the top end. peacetime, the blue field is to
the observers’ left.
Flag Construction

The flag’s length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all
sides of the white triangle is equal to the width of
the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that
one of its tips points towards the vertes at which its
located.

Flag Protocol

The flag should be displayed in all government

buildings, official residences, public plaza, and
schools everyday throughout the year. The days of http://www.flagpictures.org/downloads/print/philippines1.jpg
the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and 12th of
June (Independence Day) are designated as flag
days, during which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments,
institutions of learning and private homes enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag days
are now from May 28 to June 30 yearly. In Section 9 of R.A. No. 8491, the Philippine flag must be
permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the following locations:

1. Malacañang Palce, the Presidential Residence

2. The Congress of the Philippines buildings:

a. Senate of the Philippines building

b. House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa Complex)

 3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building

4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila

5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite

6. Barasoain Church in Malolos Bulacan

7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in La Union, Cemetery of Heroes (Libingan ng mga Bayani) in
Makati, Shrine of Valors & North Cemetery in Manila

8. Mauseleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion

9. All international ports of entry

10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Commission of Philippines
(NHCP)

Half-mast

The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Upon the official announcement of the
death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for 10 days. The flag
should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief of
Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives

The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to de determined by
the NHCP, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and
places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an
incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and
such other persons as may be determined by the NHCP.

When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoist to the peak for a moment then lowered to the
half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

Folding the Flag

1. Hold the flag at each four corners and pull it taut.

The folder holds the corners at the end with the blue and
red fields.

2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field

covering the blue field. Pull it taut again making sure
the open side’s edges are flush with one another.
3. Fold it in half again, the close side over the open side, again maintaining the flattening tension and
parallel, flush edges on the open side. The blue field should now be displayed face up.

4. Take the closed side’s field corner and fold it over the open side such that what was the bottom edge
is now parallel and flush with the open side forming a right triangle (a triangle with a 90°).

5. At the right angle, fold the flag again such that a new right triangle is formed, still keeping the open
edges parallel.

6. Fold the right-angled corner of the new

triangle over such that it forms a new
right triangle with what had been the
bottom edge now flush with the side of
the flag below it.

7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right triangles until

the flag is completely folded into a right triangle bundle. The white field and yellow sun should now
predominate the visible areas of the flag.
Prohibited Acts

In Section 34 of R.A. Act 8491, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:

1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute or adding additional marks on the
flag;

2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as part of a costume or a uniform;

3. As trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;

4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and

5. As a pennant in hood, Panunumpa ng Katapatan side, back and top of motor

vehicles. sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Moreover, the flag may not Ako ay Pilipino be displayed “horizontally face-
up, or under any paintings, picture or platform”. It may also
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
not be displayed in “discotheques, cockpits, night
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places vice
or where frivolity prevails. At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Pledge
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
The Pledge of Allegiance to Maka-Diyos the Philippine Flag or
“Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Maka-tao Watawat ng Pilipinas” (distinct
from Patriotic Oath of Makakalikasan at Allegiance or “Panatang
Makabayan”) should be recited while standing with the right
Makabansa.
hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals
whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such
pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is
being rendered by standing at attention.
 Lupang Hinirang

Bayang magiliw, May dilag ang tula

Perlas ng silanganan. At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Alab ng puso, Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y

The
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay. Tagumpay na nagniningning.
law
Lupang hinirang, Ang bituin at araw niya

Duyan ka ng magiting Kailan pa may di magdidilim.

Sa manlulupig, Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta,

Di ka pasisiil. Buhay ay langit sa piling mo.

Sa dagat at bundok, Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,

Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

makes no statement regarding the language in which the pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written
(and therefore recited) in the Filipino language.

The National Anthem

The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang. It shall always be sung in the national language
within or outside the country.

The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the
musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both,
or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with
fervor.

As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one
displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall
execute a salute by placing the right palm over their left chest. Those in military, scouting, citizens
military training and security guard uniform shall give the salute prescribed by the regulations.
 The anthem shall not be played or sung for me recreation,
amusement or entertainment purposes, except that the following of
occasions:

1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or

has a representative:

2. Local competitions;

3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;

4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and

5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the NHCP

All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or instrumentality
thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities or offices
displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby directed to comply strictly
with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be ground for
administrative discipline.

The National Motto

The National Motto shall be “MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasa at Makabansa.” (Setion 39, R.A.
No. 8491)
BLUE RED
The National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent
studded with three mullets equidistant from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the
sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA
NG PILIPINAS”, inscribed thereon (Section 41, R. A. No. 8491)

The Great Seal

The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as

described in the preceding section , but without the scroll and the
inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be a double
marginal circle within which appear the words “Republika ng
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Pilipinas”. For the purpose of pla cing the Great Seal, The color of
Coat_of_arms_of_the_Philippines#/
the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture r epresentation
media/
must be used. File:Coat_of_arms_of_the_Philippines.svg
 The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto. It shall be affixed to or placed upon all
commissions signed by the President and upon such other official documents and papers of the
Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may be required by custom and
usage. The president shall have custody of the Great Seal. (Section 42-43, R.A. No. 8491)

The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/
1. Traffic rules are the most basic of our country’s laws. If we learn to followwikipedia/commons/b/bf/
them, it could be the lowest
form of national discipline we can develop as a people. A culture of discipline is crucial to our destiny
Home_1_02_50.jpg
as a nation.

2. Whenever we follow traffic rules, we shoe our love for our neighbour, our love for the Filipino.

Second: Always ask for an official receipt.

1. Official receipt is important to an individual in order to check if the transactions made in a department
store, grocery, and other establishments for completeness of record. They can be used for claim of
deduction or refund, to decrease the tax payments, minimize audit, and hard evidence if there is a
need to clarify on the item purchased

2. Whenever we help our government in helping other people, we show our love for our neighbour.

Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.

1. Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries. Buying Filipino means
supporting the Filipino.

2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbors.

Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country.

1. Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, whenever we maybe, is a salesman of
our country.

2. Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our neighbors.

Fifth: respect the traffic officers, policemen, and other public servants.

1. Respect honors and dignifies a man. It compels him to do his job right.

2. There is love of neighbour whenever we respect those in authority.

Sixth: Throw our garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.

1. The Philippines is the country given to us people. It is the birthplace of our race. It is the home of the
Filipinos. We should keep it beautiful.

2. When we keep our environment and country clean, we show our love for our people.

Seventh: Support your Church.

1. When we help our Church, we help our Creator in his works on earth.

2. Whenever we help our church, we shoe love for our neighbour.

Eighth: During elections, do your solemn duty.

1. When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our own destiny, as a people and as a
nation.

2. There is love of neighbour when we elect good leaders for our country and people.

Ninth: Pay your employees well.

1. A company must bring prosperity not only to its owners but also to its employees. Blessings must be
shared. It builds families. It builds our nation.

2. There is love of neighbour when we value and pay our employees appropriately.

Tenth: Pay your taxes.

1. Taxes are the lifeblood of our government. It is what builds our public schools, hospitals and roads. It
is what pays our teachers, and other public servants.

2. There is love for neighbour whenever we pay our taxes properly so our government can help more
people

Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child.

1. Investing on our youth is investing on our country’s future. Every family who can afford, should adopt
one poor child as a scholar.

2. There is love of neighbour whenever we help a child get an education.

Twelfth: Be a good parent. Teach your kids to love our country.

1. If we start planting seeds of patriotism in the hearts and minds of our youth today, they would
become giant patriots of our country someday.
2. There is love of neighbour whenever we teach and raise our children as patriots, by loving our country
through loving our people.

Love of neighbour, God’s Second Highest Commandment is contained in each of these 12 Little
Things.

Adaptation from:

12 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country

by Alexander Lacson
Learning Exercise 1.5

Name :__________________________________ Course : __________ Time : _______

Trainer : _________________________________ Date : __________ Score : _______

FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

A. Identification. Identify what is being asked in the statement. Write your answer on the space
provided before the number.
_____________ 1. The primary symbol of the Philippines
_____________ 2. The Philippine National Anthem
_____________ 3. Composer of the Philippine National Anthem
_____________ 4. Law which provides for the basis of the national flag and heraldic code
_____________ 5. The attitude that the members of a nation have which includes the concept of
national identity such as common origin, ethnicity, and cultural ties
_____________ 6. The term that refers to the love and/or devotion to one’s country
_____________ 7. The date of celebration for the national flag day
_____________ 8. The language in which the pledge must be recited
_____________ 9. It is what is indicated when the Philippine flag’s red field is displayed on top
or on the observer’s left when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white
equilateral triangle at the top end.
____________ 10. The significance of the Philippine flag flown at half-mast

B. Enumeration. Enumerate the following:

1. Provinces that bare represented by the eight rays of the sun in the National Flag
a. ____________________________ e. ____________________________
b. ____________________________ f. ____________________________
c. ____________________________ g. ____________________________
d. ____________________________ h. ____________________________

2. They were the ones who had sewn the National Flag in Hong Kong
a. ____________________________ c. ____________________________
b. ____________________________

3. The dates when the national flag is being raised by private buildings.
 a. ____________________________ c. ____________________________
b. ____________________________ d. ____________________________

C. Fill-in-the-blanks. Below is an individual sheet for the activity. Each will be graded using the rubric
below.

Name: __________________________________ Yr./Section: _______________

Time: __________________________________ Day: ____________________

1. Singing of the Philippine National Anthem

Criteria Score
1. Clarity of the lyrics while singing the
Philippine National Anthem (20 pts.)
2. Tempo in singing the Philippine
National Anthem (20 pts.)
3. Facial expression (10 pts.)

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Criteria Score
1. Clarity of words while reciting the
Pledge of Allegiance (20 pts.)
2. Mastery of the content (20 pts.)
3. Posture and hand position (10 pts.)

3. Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Ako ay Pilipino

Buong katapatang nanunumpa

11. ________________________________________

At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag

12. ________________________________________

Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
 13. ________________________________________

Maka-tao

14. ________________________________________ at

15. ________________________________________.