Even in disposing of national symbols, Filipinos must treat them with the utmost respect and reverence.
That was the message of the city government of San Pedro, Laguna as it hosted the annual "Huling Parangal sa Watawat" last August 8 in front of the San Pedro City Hall.
The event, which was hosted by the San Pedro City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (CTCAO), was attended by local officials including Mayor Art Mercado; Councilors Kitten Campos, Kent Lagasca, Iryne Vierneza, and Abraham Cataquiz; Laguna Provincial Board Members Raffy Campos and Bernadeth Olivares; and members of the uniformed services.
Members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) also acted as ceremonial guards and flag-burners during the event.
According to Michael Tabuyan of the CTCAO, the flag-burning ceremony is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines), which states that old and worn-out Philippine flags must be ceremonially burned and the ashes be buried, as a way of respect and reverence for the national symbol.
While flag-burning ceremonies are traditionally held during the month of June (National Flag Days and the month where the Philippines celebrate its independence), Tabuyan explained that his office decided to conduct this ceremony once again due to what he called a "pile-up" of old and worn-out flags under their custody.
"Dahil po sa loob na maraming taon ay maraming mga watawat na kupas at luma na ang naipon po ng aming tanggapan, napagpasyahan po namin na isagawa at aktibidad na ito upang ipakita sa ating mga kababayan at ito sa ating pamahalaang lungsod na ganito po ang tamang disposal o pagtatapon at decommissioning ng ating pambansang watawat," he said in his speech.
In his own message, Mercado stressed that the Philippine flag is more than a piece of cloth, but a symbol of the past and present struggles of all Filipinos to achieve a brighter future for the next generation.
As such, the city executive urged San Pedro’s youth to instill in themselves the respect and reverence that is due to the national symbols, as a way of promoting patriotism and pride in their country.
"Mga kabataan ng San Pedro, kayo ay tagapagpatuloy ng kwento ng ating watawat. Nasa inyong mga kamay ang kinabukasan ng ating lungsod at ng ating bansa. Ang respeto, pagmamahal, at pagtatanggol sa ating bandila ay hindi nakatapos sa seremonya. Ito ay nakikita sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay, sa ating malasakit sa isa't isa, at sa ating dedikasyon sa bayan," Mercado said.
(Photo by Cherry Soriano)
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