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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Things that you should know about Philippine Flag



The National Flag of the Philippines (Pambansang Watawat ng Pilipinas) is a horizontal flag bicolor with equal bands of royal blue and scarlet red, and with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist; in the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, which represent the country's first group of provinces that started the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain; and at each vertex of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star, each of which represent the country's 3 main regions. 

File:Flag of the Philippines.svg


The 8 rays of the sun in the Philippine flag:
 File:Sun Symbol of the National Flag of the Philippines.svg
1.      Bulacan
2.      Batangas
3.      Nueva Ecija
4.      Manila
5.      Cavite
6.      Laguna
7.      Pampanga
8.      Tarlac

The 3 Stars in the Philippine Flag:

1.      Luzon
2.      Visayas
3.      Mindanao

National Flag Day

The National Flag Day in the Philippines is celebrated every 28th of May. The National Flag week starts from May 28 and ends on June 12 every year.


Construction

The flag's length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all the sides of the white triangle is equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that one of its tips points towards the vertex at which it is located. Moreover the gap-angle between two neighbours of the 8 ray-bundles is as large as the angle of one ray-bundle (so 22.5°), and its major ray is twice as "thick" as its two minor rays. The golden sun is not exactly in the center of the triangle but shifted slightly to the right


Color

The shade of blue used in the flag has varied over time, beginning with the original color azul oscuro. The exact nature of this shade is uncertain, but a likely candidate is the blue of the Cuban flag, which a theory says influenced the flag's design. Specifications for the flag's colors with shades matching those used in the American flag were adopted by the National Historical Institute in 1955. President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the colors restored to the original light blue and red of the Cuban flag in 1985, but this was immediately rescinded after the 1986 People Power Revolution that removed him from power. For the 1998 independence centennial celebrations, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA 8491) was passed, designating royal blue as the official variant.

Usage as war ensign

The Philippines does not utilise a separate war flag; instead, the national flag itself is used for this purpose.[2] To indicate a state of war, the red stripe is flown upwards. In times of peace, however, the blue area is the superior field (as in the preceding illustrations). Historical examples of this wartime reversal in orientation are during the Revolution of 1896, World War II, and some flags carried by protesters who stormed Malacañang Palace during the 1986 People Power Revolution.


Current flag

The earlier design of the current Philippine flag was conceptualized by President Emilio Aguinaldo during his exile in Hong Kong in 1897. The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (a niece of Propagandista José Rizal). It was displayed in battle on May 28, 1898.

The flag was formally unfurled during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.[10] However, a Manila Times article by Augusto de Viana, Chief History Researcher, National Historical Institute, mentions assertions in history textbooks and commemorative rites that the flag was first raised in Alapan, Imus, Cavite, on May 28, 1898, citing Presidential Proclamation No. 374, issued by then-President Diosdado Macapagal on March 6, 1965.[11] The article goes on to claim that historical records indicate that the first display of the Philippine flag took place in Cavite City, when General Aguinaldo displayed it during the first fight of the Philippine Revolution.

The flag's original symbolism was enumerated in the text of the independence proclamation, which makes reference to an attached drawing, though no record of the drawing has surfaced. The original design of the flag adopted a mythical sun with a face, a symbol common to several former Spanish colonies. The particular shade of blue of the original flag has been a source of controversy. Based on anecdotal evidence and the few surviving flags from the era, historians argue that the colors of the original flag were the same blue and red as found on the flag of Cuba.

The flag of Cuba influenced the design of the flag of the Philippines as Cuba's revolution against Spain inspired, to some degree, the Philippine Revolution.

Hostilities broke out between the Philippines and the United States in 1899. The flag was first flown with the red field up on February 4, 1899 to show that a state of war existed. Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans two years later, and swore allegiance to the United States.

With the defeat of the Philippine Republic, the Philippines was placed under American colonial rule and the display of the Philippine flag was declared illegal by the Sedition Act of 1907. This law was repealed on October 24, 1919. With the legalization of display of the Philippine flag, the cloth available in most stores was the red and blue of the flag of the United States, so the flag from 1919 onwards adopted the "National Flag blue" color. On March 26, 1920, the Philippine Legislature passed Act. No 2928 on March 26, 1920, which legally adopted the Philippine flag as the official flag of the Philippine Islands. Up until the eve of World War II, Flag Day was celebrated on annually on October 30, commemorating the date the ban on the flag was lifted.

The Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated in 1935. On March 25, 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which provided for the technical description and specifications of the flag. Among the provisions of the order was the definition of the triangle at the hoist as an equilateral triangle, the definition of the aspect ratio at 1:2, the precise angles of the stars, the geometric and aesthetic design of the sun, and the formal elimination of the mythical face on the sun. The exact shades of colors, however, were not precisely defined. These specifications have remained unchanged and in effect to the present. In 1941, Flag Day was officially moved to June 12, commemorating the date that Philippine independence was proclaimed in 1898.

The flag was once again banned with the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines beginning December 1941, to be hoisted again with the establishment of the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic of the Philippines. In ceremonies held in October 1943, Emilio Aguinaldo hoisted the flag with the original Cuban blue and red colors restored. The flag was initially flown with the blue stripe up, until President Jose P. Laurel proclaimed the existence of a state of war with the Allied Powers in 1944. The Commonwealth government-in-exile in Washington, D.C. continued to use the flag with the American colors, and had flown it with the red stripe up since the initial invasion of the Japanese. With the combined forces of the Filipino & American soldiers and the liberation of the Philippines in 1944 to 1945, the flag with the American colors was restored, and it was this flag that was hoisted upon the granting of Philippine independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.



Flag protocol

The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and the 12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, and institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag days are now from May 28 to June 30 yearly to promote patriotism and to celebrate the nation's independence.

By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the following locations:

·         Malacañan Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines
·         Congress of the Philippines buildings
·         Senate of the Philippines building
·         House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa Complex)
·         Supreme Court of the Philippines building
·         Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
·         Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
·         Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
·         Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
·         Libingan ng mga Bayani
·         Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución
·         All international ports of entry
·         All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute as such.


Prohibited acts

According to Republic Act 8491 itself, it shall be prohibited:

    a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag or over its surface;
    b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
    c) To use the flag:

        1) As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
        2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
        3) As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
        4) As a staff or whip;
        5) For unveiling monuments or statues; and
        6) As trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.

    d) To display the flag:

        1) Under any painting or picture;
        2) Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
        3) Below any platform; or
        4) In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.

    e) To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
    f) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on the flag;
    g) To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise;
    h) To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations;
    i) To use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and
    j) To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.

The Act mandates that violators shall, upon conviction, be punished by fine or imprisonment.

Section 10 of RA 8491 - states that when the flag is displayed on a wall during peacetime, the blue field is to the observers' left. See below:

File:Flag of the Philippines (vertical display).svg


Half-mast

File:Flags at half-mast at the Bonifacio Shrine.jpg

The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.[2] Upon the official announcement of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, and the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the National Historical Institute.

When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government. In such cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side of the casket. The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased.



Pledge
Photo Credit: Here

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag (distinct from the Patriotic Oath of Allegiance) should be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) is the pledge to the flag of the Philippines. It is one of two national pledges, the other being the Patriotic Oath, which is the Philippine national pledge.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag is recited at flag ceremonies immediately after the Patriotic Oath or, if the Patriotic Oath is not recited, after the national anthem.

The pledge was legalized under Executive Order No. 343, approved by then-President Fidel V. Ramos on Independence Day (June 12), 1996, and subsequently by the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 8491. The law makes no statement of what language the pledge must be recited in, but the pledge is written (and therefore recited) in Filipino.

Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat
(Patriotic Oath of Allegiance)

Filipino language version (Official Version)

Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Makakalikasan
Maka-tao, at
Makabansa



Official English language translation

I am a Filipino
I pledge my allegiance
To the flag of the Philippines
And to the country it represents
With honor, justice and freedom
Put in motion by one Nation
For God
For the People,
For Nature and
For the Country



Panatang Makabayan
(Patriotic Oath)

The Patriotic Oath (Panatang Makabayan) is one of two national pledges of the Philippines, the other being the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag ( Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat). It is commonly recited at school flag ceremonies, after the singing of the national anthem (Lupang Hinirang), but before the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recitation of the pledge is required by law at all public schools and at private schools that are meant for or of which the majority of students are Filipinos. This guideline was set in Republic Act No. 1265, one of many national symbols laws, which was approved on July 11, 1955.[1] The act was implemented in schools through an order of what is now the Department of Education, known as Department Order No. 8, which was approved on July 21, 1955. The pledge was revised in November 2001 by former Department of Education secretary Raul Roco, using shorter lines with more conversational Tagalog.

Although Department Order No. 8 states that the Panatang Makabayan may be recited in English or any Philippine vernacular language, the pledge is usually recited today in Filipino. However, there are two versions of the Panatang Makabayan in Filipino: the current version being a shorter, poetic translation and the former version being a direct translation of the English original.

Filipino

DepEd Order 54-2001 version

Panatang Makabayan

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan,
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking magulang;
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng isang mamamayang makabayan;
naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal
nang buong katapatan.
laalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap
sa bansang Pilipinas.

Original version

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan
Upang maging malakas, maligaya at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti, diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan at masunurin sa batas
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang walang pag-iimbot at ng buong katapatan
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

English

Translation of current Filipino version

I love the Philippines,
The land of my birth,
The home of my people,
It protects me and helps me
To become strong, hardworking and honorable.
Because I love the Philippines,
I will heed the counsel of my parents,
I will obey the rules of my school,
I will perform the duties of a patriotic citizen,
Serving, studying, and praying faithfully.
I will offer my life, dreams,  successes
To the Philippine nation.

Original version

I love the Philippines.
It is the land of my birth;
It is the home of my people.
It protects me and helps me to be strong, happy and useful.
In return, I will heed the counsel of my parents;
I will obey the rules of my school;
I will perform the duties of a patriotic, law-abiding citizen;
I will serve my country unselfishly and faithfully
I will be a true Filipino in thought, in word, and in deed.



The National Anthem
Off-key Anthem Singers in the Philippines Face Jail
Photo Credit: Here

Lupang Hinirang (“Chosen Land”) is the national anthem of The Philippines. Its music was composed in 1898 by Julián Felipe, and the lyrics were adapted from the Spanish poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899. Originally written as incidental music, it did not have lyrics when it was adopted as the anthem of the revolutionary First Philippine Republic and subsequently played during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898.

During the American Colonial Period, the Flag Law of 1907 prohibited public display flags, banners, emblems, or devices used by revolutionaries in the Philippine-American War. Under color of this law, the colonial government banned the song from being played. The Flag Law was repealed in 1919. During the Commonwealth era, Commonwealth Act No. 382, approved on September 5, 1938, officially adopted the musical arrangement and composition by Julian Felipe as the Philippine National Anthem.

The Spanish lyrics were translated into Tagalog beginning in the 1940s, and a final, Pilipino version from 1956 was revised in the 1960s to the present lyrics. Over the years, several English versions came into use. On February 12, 1998, Republic Act No. 8491, officially set out Tagalog lyrics as the National Anthem, abandoning use of the Spanish and English versions.

Some English language sources erroneously translate Lupang Hinirang as "Beloved Land" or "Beloved Country" the first term is actually a translation of the incipit of the original poem Filipinas (Tiérra adorada), while "Beloved Country" is a translation of Bayang Magiliw, the current version's incipit and colloquial name. Some sources assert that an English version of anthem lyrics titled "Philippine Hymn" was legalized by Commonwealth Act No. 382. That Act, however, only concerns itself with the instrumental composition by Julian Felipe.

The history of the Lupang Hinirang can be summarized thus:

·         1898 - "Marcha Filipino Magdalo" - Tune composed by Julian Felipé, renamed Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March) [7]
·         1899 - "Filipinas" (Original Spanish version) - Lyrics by Jose Palma
·         1919 - Land of the morning (English version) - Lyrics by Paz Marquez Benitez
·         1940 - Various translations in Tagalog
·         1948 - "Diwa ng Bayan" (Tagalog)
·         1956 - Current Filipino version "Lupang Hinirang" - Lyrics by Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (Institute of National Language)

Lyrics

Lupang Hinirang
(1958, rev. 1960s)

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.

Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.






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