NATIONAL FLAG DAY

 “𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒉𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒂 𝒊𝒚𝒐”

Truly, it is an honor to die for the country. Last May 28, 2022, Filipinos celebrated the 124th National Flag Day to commemorate the first time they waved the flag and the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the county’s freedom. Filipinos take pride in singing the “Lupang Hinirang” with their right hand placed on their chest as they show reverence to the Philippine flag.

Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad were the three women who sewed the first-ever Philippine flag in Hongkong. The flag was first raised and waved by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit Cavite on June 12, 1898. Later on, June 12 was declared the National Independence Day of the Philippines.

Everything on the flag symbolizes something. The equilateral triangle, which many believe is a reminder of the 3Ks of the Katipunan— Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan, Katipunan ng Bayan. These 3Ks were also sometimes arranged in a triangular manner. Most of the badges of the Katipunan, patterned after Masonic emblems, are triangular.

A golden sun with eight rays is found inside the white equilateral triangle of the flag with five-pointed stars in each corner. The three five-pointed stars represent the three geographical areas of the country— Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. On the other hand, the eight rays of the sun represent the first eight provinces who defied and revolted against the Spaniards— Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija.

The colors of the flag also symbolize something. The color white symbolizes purity and peace. The color blue means high political purpose and ideals. While heroism, courage, bravery, and willingness to shed blood to defend the country are what the color red represents.

#StoriesOfLiLib

Written by: Alyanna Santiago and Krista Talavera

Graphics by: Julia Angeles