‘… Filipinos have yet to fully embrace flag display as an inherent patriotic duty, rather than a fleeting imposition or a temporary fad characterized by the purchase of a small replica from a street vendor.’
A FAMILIAR sight of red and blue of the Philippine flag graces the facades of government buildings and commercial establishments, proudly unfurled to herald Independence Day.
Yet, as swiftly as this week climaxes with a flurry of flag-waving ceremonies, the fervor often fades, retreating into the dark corners of our consciousness.
We tend to develop a sudden surge of patriotism only when June 12 enters our awareness, rushing to hoist a flag outside our homes and offices as if to compensate for a year of dormancy.
This stands in stark contrast to many other Asian countries, where the ubiquitous presence of national flags adorning homes and businesses is inspiring.
In our country, such a sight remains a rarity.
Our practice of displaying the Philippine flag between the last week of May and June 12 largely stems from Republic Act 8491 which encourages all government offices, businesses, educational institutions, and private homes to prominently display the flag.
While it is compulsory for all government instrumentalities to hoist the flag at all times, for ordinary Filipinos, it remains a voluntary act. Private individuals are merely persuaded to fly the flag on national holidays such as Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, National Flag Day, and Independence Day.
The national flag is permanently hoisted at Malacañan Palace, the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila, and other designated areas.
In many nations, the display of the national flag outside homes is a deeply ingrained measure of loyalty and national pride.
People in America, Canada, and Denmark are often cited for their fervent flag displays.
A YouGov poll, for instance, revealed that over half of the adult population in the US, or 51 percent, proudly exhibits the American flag at their residences.
Nations such as Norway, Spain, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia demonstrate a significant and consistent display of their national flags, embodying a profound sense of patriotism and respect for their country.
The tradition of displaying flags dates back to the Middle Ages and the Age of Sail, initially serving as a means of identification and communication. Its widespread adoption by military and naval forces in the 18th and 19th centuries coincided with the rise of nationalism, solidifying its role as a powerful national symbol.
However, Filipinos have yet to fully embrace flag display as an inherent patriotic duty, rather than a fleeting imposition or a temporary fad characterized by the purchase of a small replica from a street vendor.
Doña Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Jose Rizal’s niece Delfina Herbosa de Natividad were the courageous women who meticulously sewed the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong under the direction of Emilio Aguinaldo.
Surely, they envisioned a future where their patriotic act would resonate deeply with generations to come, inspiring a national movement of flag hoisting at homes.
So when they first unfurled the national flag in their foreign home, it marked the symbolic beginning of a Filipino tradition that has yet to catch on after 123 years of independence.
Perhaps it’s time we re-evaluate our relationship with our flag, moving beyond mere compliance and towards a genuine, year-round expression of our enduring national pride.
