HISTORY

On May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary
Army defeated Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. The national flag was
yet to be formally announced on the day of that battle. It was formally presented to the
people on June 12, 1898. From 1919, when the Philippine flag was once more legalized,
until 1940, Flag Day was observed in October, the date the Philippine Legislature had
restored the flag. From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day was commemorated on the date the
national flag was unfurled in Kawit: June 12. Learn more here.
SYMBOLS IN THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
Aside from the Masonic influence on the Katipunan, the design of the Philippine flag has
roots in the flag family to which it belongs—that of the last group of colonies that sought
independence from the Spanish Empire at the close of the 19th century, a group to which
the Philippines belongs. The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic
Planning Office traces the origins of the Philippine flag’s design elements, which have
been in use since General Emilio Aguinaldo first conceived them—the stars and stripes;
the red, white, and blue; the masonic triangle; and the sun—and have endured since.
Learn more here.

RELATED EXECUTIVE ISSUANCE AND LAW

On May 24, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Executive Order 179, s. 1994, which
ordered the display of the national flag in all all buildings, establishments, and homes
from the May 28 to June 12, 1994, and on February 12, 1998, President
approved Republic Act No. 8491, prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem,
Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
FLYING, DISPLAYING, AND FOLDING THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
I. When to raise and lower the flag in government offices, schools, and private
institutions
II. Displaying the flag on buildings
III. Displaying the flag in times of peace and war
IV. The proper way of folding the Philippine flag