National Symbols in

Philippines
Mark Alfred Salazar
Geraya Joy Ilarde
Rey Mart P. Paug
Reporters
 A national symbol is a symbol
of any entity considering and
manifesting itself to the world as
a national community: the
sovereign states but also nations
and countries in a state of
colonial or other dependence,
federal integration, or even an
ethnocultural community
considered a 'nationality' despite
having no political autonomy.[1]
National symbols intend to unite
people by creating visual,
verbal, or iconic representations
of the national people, values,
goals, or history. These symbols
are often rallied around as part
of celebrations of patriotism or
aspiring nationalism (such as
independence, autonomy or
separation movements) and are
designed to be inclusive and
representative of all the people
of the national community.
National Flag : Philippines Flag
The Philippines national flag, as
defined by the National
Historical Commission of the
Philippines, is made of silk, had
a white equilateral triangle at
the left containing a sunburst
of eight rays at the center, a
five-pointed star at each angle
of the triangle, an upper stripe
of blue and a lower stripe of
red.
The sun stands for liberty; the
sunburst of eight rays for the
first eight provinces to take up
arms against Spain; and the
three stars for the three island
groups of the Philippines –
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The white triangle signifies
Filipino hope for equality; the
upper blue stripe stands for
peace, truth, and justice; while
the lower red stripe stands for
patriotism and valor.
National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang
National Anthem: “Lupang Hinirang”
The Philippine national anthem is entitled
“Lupang Hinirang” and composed by Julian
Felipe. “Lupang Hinirang” was first played
publicly on June 12, 1898 during the
proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Its lyrics were adopted from the Spanish
poem, Filipinas, which was written by José
Palma.
National Flower:
Sampaguita
The Philippine
national flower is
called “sampaguita”
which is generally
known as the Arabian
Jasmine. Its white
color symbolizes
purity, simplicity,
humility, and
strength.
National Tree: Narra
The Philippine national tree is
called “narra” generally known
as rosewood. It was made
official by Gov. Gen. Frank
Murphy through Proclamation
No. 652 s. 1934. In fact, under
the DENR Memorandum Order
dated February 5, 2013, cutting
of Narra needs to be approved
by the DENR Central Office,
particularly by the Office of the
Undersecretary for field
Operations.
National Bird: Philippine
Eagle
The Philippine national
bird is called the
“Philippine eagle”
scientifically known as
Pithecophaga jefferyi. It
was made official in 1978
by former President
Ferdinand Marcos
through Proclamation
No. 1732.
National Gem: Philippine Pearl
The Philippine national gem is
called “Philippine Pearl” as
declared by Former President
Fidel V. Ramos through
Proclamation No. 905 s. 1996. It
is scientifically known as
Pinctada Maxima. In fact,
world’s largest pearl was
discovered by a Filipino diver in
a giant Tridacna (mollusk) under
the Palawan Sea in 1934.
National Sport: Arnis
Arnis is to the Philippines like
Japan’s Karate and Korea’s
Taekwondo. It’s both a martial art
and a sport whose origins are still
largely unconfirmed because of
lack of documentation. It’s known
by two other names: Kali and
Eskrima, and makes use of both
bladed weapons, batons/sticks,
and bare hands.

It became a national symbol in

2009 when then-Pres. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo signed
Republic Act 9850 into law.
Now, you may be wondering: where (or when) in
this list will the name Dr. Jose Rizal appear? What
about things like anahaw and mangoes? Sadly,
these cannot be included in the list above as they
are listed by the NCCA as national symbols
because there is no law that has been signed
declaring them as such.
Dr. Jose Rizal: National Hero
Long recognized in the country’s history
books as our National Hero, Dr. Jose
Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo
Realonda’s status as our national hero
has not been the subject of debate for
the common Juan. Scholars, however,
still argue about who should be given the
title: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio
Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo
H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat,
Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and
Gabriela Silang were listed down by
former President Fidel V. Ramos as those
worthy of being given the title of
National Hero. This list has not been
acted on since being submitted by the
National Heroes Committee on
November 22, 1995.
Anahaw: National leaf

Often referred to as the

National Leaf, the anahaw
or round-leaf fountain
palm is not part of the
country’s national
symbols. Normally seen in
the countryside as a
roofing material, anahaw
leaves are seen as
decorative pieces/plants in
the metro.
• Mango: National fruit
• A common sight in
Philippine wet and dry
markets, the mango has
long been seen as the
National fruit. As popular
as it is for making
desserts, there is no law
that proclaims it as a
national symbol.
Carabao: National animal
If common men have dogs as
their best friend, then the
carabao or Philippine water
buffalo is the Filipino farmer’s
best friend. They’re beasts of
burden, able to do almost
everything that needs to be
done on the rice fields,
including carrying the farmer
and his goods. But, without
any laws to recognized them,
they’ll remain an unofficial
symbol of the country.
 National House

The humble bahay kubo

or nipa hut is still seen in
some parts of the
country, particularly in
the provinces. While it
has long been a symbol
of Filipino homes, it has
not been recognized as a
national symbol.
National Fish
Bangus: National fish
Bony, yet prized for its
belly fat, which
almost everyone
fights for on the
dinner table. The
bangus or milkfish has
long been seen as the
country’s national
fish, yet without a
law, it’s status will
never be official.
Other things have been cited over time as a national
symbol, yet have never been recognized.

The battle has raged on between which should be

recognized as the National Dance: Tinikling or Cariñosa.
A still-to-be-settled debate has also raged online between
those who love sinigang (sour soup) and those who love
adobo as to which should be recognized as the national
dish.
Thankyou for Listening...
Refferences:
https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2017/04/15/learn-
about-the-philippines-national-symbols/#:~:text=The
%20white%20triangle%20signifies%20Filipino,stands
%20for%20patriotism%20and%20valor.&text=The
%20Philippine%20national%20anthem%20is,and
%20composed%20by%20Julian%20Felipe.