Display flags, Pinoys urged

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in their homes, offices, business establishments and schools beginning today until Independence Day on June 12.

A Malacañang advisory posted on www.gov.ph said that on May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. 

The national flag was not yet formally adopted on the day of that battle. It was formally presented to the people on June 12, 1898.

From 1919, when the Philippine flag was once more legalized, until 1940, Flag Day was observed in October, the date the Philippine legislature restored the flag.

From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day was commemorated on the date the national flag was unfurled in Kawit, Cavite, which was on June 12.

However, in 1965, since Flag Day coincided with Independence Day, and in order to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled in battle, then President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 374, resetting National Flag Day to May 28.

On May 23, 1994, then President Fidel Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179, extending National Flag Day to June 12.