Filipinos Urged to Instill More Patriotism in Hearts, Minds

The City Government of Baguio joined the nation in celebrating the National Flag Day last May 28 with the call  on Filipinos  to instil more patriotism in heart and in mind.

In a simple rite during the flag raising ceremony at the City Hall Grounds on May 28,  invited keynote speaker  General Emilio Aguinaldo’s great grandson, Emilio Aguinaldo Sungtay III,  made this call as he  spoke about the importance of the Philippine flag.

Sungtay said  the first Philippine flag that Gen.   Aguinaldo waved after a victorious battle in Calapan, Cavite on May 28, 1898, or 120 years ago embodies  the aspiration of the  Filipino people.

The sun symbolizes the spirit of young Filipinos; the eight rays honor the Luzon provinces that waged  battle against Spain; the three stars represent the the biggest islands  of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The rectangular blue on top symbolizes the nation’s desire for peace while the red rectangular bottom symbolizes the nation’s courage and bravery against all odds.The triangular white symbolizes liberty and the purity of idealists.

The Philippine flag also has a special feature wherein in times of war, the red rectangle will be hoisted on top.

Sungtay said that the first Philippine flag which was waved by Gen. Aguinaldo in declaring Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898 is in  safekeeping at the Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City, and being offered for limited viewing.

Sungtay expressed his gratitude to all those sharing with them the commemoration of first Philippine Flag as he encouraged Filipinos to instil more patriotism in their minds and in their hearts.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan reiterated  that the Philippine flag indeed embodies Philippine  identity as a sovereign country , and always has the power to awaken our patriotism and nationalism.

“As we celebrate national Flag Day today, let us continue to love our country, our motherland, the land of our birth and let us continue to be proud as one Filipino under one nation, under one flag,” he said.

The hoisting of Philippine flag on government offices and private institutions will continue up to June 12  when the country celebrates the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

The Emilio Aguinaldo Foundation will also open its  museum for free on June 12, and Sungtay invites the public  to find time to visit the first flag of the Republic of the Philippines. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)