Garcia reminds public the importance of flag

CEBU, Philippines — Amidst strong influence in culture and practice of other countries, Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia has reminded the public the importance of going back to one’s roots.

This is Garcia’s reminder in time for the celebration of National Flag Day on May 28, Tuesday.

“We are very much influenced by the outside world and sometimes we forget that we are Filipinos and we forget our identity as Filipinos,” Garcia said during the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) lecture on the Flag and Heraldic Code at the 9th Floor Community Hall, Executive Building, Cebu City Hall as reported by the City’s PIO.

Garcia also put emphasis on being a Cebuano.

“I want to take it a step further. We are not only Filipinos but more importantly we are Cebuanos,” Garcia stressed.

Along with this, acting Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, also reminded employees to ensure that they have flags around their respective offices.

“Make sure nga naay flag. It is our way of recognizing the efforts of our forefathers,” acting Vice Mayor Hontiveros said.

The recent lecture was attended by different departments and offices alongside DepEd-Cebu City and the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of the Philippines.

The activity, led by NHCP’s senior researcher Juan Paolo Calamlam discussed the Philippine flag’s design and the proper way of displaying it, as well as protocols in flag raising and lowering ceremonies, among others.

As per announcement from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 was issued on March 6, 1965 declaring May 28 of every year 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. 79 was issued extending the period of celebrating National Flag Day not only on May 28 but until June 12, which is Independence Day.

“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,” part of DILG’s post reads.

This is to give respect and reverence to the symbol of national sovereignty and solidarity.

The Philippine flag is the embodiment of all our country’s ideals, culture and tradition, DILG also stressed. — (FREEMAN)