May 22, 2018, Benigno Aquino Conference Hall, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The National Nutrition Council-Region III, along with the participants from various Local Government Units in Pampanga and national government agencies in Central Luzon joined the seminar on Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
The seminar was spearheaded by the National Historical Commission with Mr. Teodoro Atienza as resource person. Mr. Atienza discussed the proper protocols and practices that should be observed in respect and recognition to the Philippine Flag pursuant to Republic Act 8491 or commonly known as the Paggalang sa Watawat.
The one-day seminar was a fruitful exchange of queries and clarifications such as: flag raising ceremony should be done every Monday morning. If Monday falls on a holiday, there is no need to have a flag raising ceremony. Flag lowering, on the other hand, should be observed every Friday afternoon while singing the National Anthem or Lupang Hinirang. Further, the Philippine flag should be permanently hoisted in the following sites: Rizal Park, Batasan Pambansa, Barrasoin Church, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Malacanang Palace, Moumento (Caloocan ), Senate, Surpreme Court, International Point of Entry, Agoncillo in Batangas and Pinaglabanan in San Juan City.
It was emphasized that only the Boy Scout of the Philippines is authorized to burn torn flags with one woman witnessing the burning.
Flag days were declared every April 9 (Fall of Bataan), May 1 (Labor Day), May 28 to June 12 (Independence Day – until the end of June-Phil-Spanish Friendship Day), Nov. 30 ( Bonifacio Day) Dec. 30 (Rizal Day)
Automatic declaration of half mast is being observed whenever a significant person passes away: ten (10) days half mast for the President of the Republic of the Philippines, seven (7) days for Vice President, three (3) days for other National Government Agencies, Governors/Vice Governors., Sanguniang Panlalawigan/Sanguniang Bayan/ Veterans on the day of interment.
Participants who actively participated during the open forum were given a national flag. NNC-Region III displayed the flag in observance of the Independence Day on June 12.
By: Dulce E. Santos/Ana Maria B. Rosaldo
