Topic 4

FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE

PHILIPPINES (RA 8491, S. 1998)
Nationalism and
Patriotism
 Nationalism is generally used to describe two
Nationalism things

and • the attitude that the members of a nation have

which includes the concept of national identity

Patriotism such as common origin, ethnicity and cultural

ties
• the actions that are members of the nation take
when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-
determination.
Patriotism
• is love of and/or devotion to one's country
• is used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for
nationalism
Nationalism
Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one's country, an
aspiration for its continuity, prosperity, and maintaining a high regard and respect for
the laws, principles and policies of that country.
SALIENT PROVISIONS OF
FLAG AND HERALDIC
CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES
(AS EMBODIED IN REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491
OF 2002)
 • Our national flag is it the symbol of our country.
• It shows our unity as a people.
• It stands for high ideals and noble heritage.
The Philippine Therefore, when you show respect for the flag, you
Flag also show respect for our country and people.
One way to show respect is to handle the flag
properly.
The Philippine national flag is said to be the
primary symbol of the nation camaraderie,
solidarity and unity.
 The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor
with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white
The Philippine Flag equilateral triangle base at the hoist side, at the center of
the triangle is a golden yellow sun with it primary rays
(Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna,
Batangas and Nueva Ecija) each containing three
individual rays; and that each corner of the triangle is a
five-pointed golden yellow star. The sun with eight rays in
the Philippine flag represents the first eight provinces that
revolted and fought for independence from the Spanish
rule
• The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo.
• The first flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marceloa
Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza and Doña Delfina
Herbosa de Natividad, niece of José Rizal, the
Philippines’ national hero.
Section 10 of RA 8491 states that when the flag is displayed
on a wall during peacetime, the blue field is to the observers’
 The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in
times of peace, and with the red field on top in
times of war. The Philippine flag is unique in the
sense that it can indicate a state of war when the red
The Philippine field is displayed on top or on the observer’s left
when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white
Flag equilateral triangle at the top end.
 Flag Construction
The flag’s length is twice
its width, which translates
into an aspect ratio of 1:2.
The length of all 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
vertes at which its located.

Flag Protocol
The flag should be displayed in all
government buildings, official
residences, public plaza, and
schools everyday throughout the
year. The days of the 28th of May
(National Flag Day) and 12th of
June (Independence Day) are
designated as flag days, during
which all offices, agencies and
instrumentalities of government,
business establishments,
institutions of learning and private
homes enjoined to display the flag.
But in recent years, the flag days
are now from May 28 to June 30
yearly. In Section 9 of R.A. No.
8491,
the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at
night at the following locations:
1. Malacañang Palce, the Presidential Residence
2. The Congress of the Philippines buildings:
a. Senate of the Philippines building
b. House of Representatives of the Philippines building
(Batasang Pambansa Complex)
3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building
4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
6. Barasoain Church in Malolos Bulacan
7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in La Union, Cemetery of Heroes
(Libingan ng mga Bayani) in Makati, Shrine of Valors & North
Cemetery in Manila
8. Mauseleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion
9. All international ports of entry
10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical
Commission of Philippines (NHCP)
Half-mast
• When flown at half-
mast, the flag should
be first hoist 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.
Folding the Flag
1. Hold the flag at each four
corners and pull it taut. The
folder holds the corners at
the end with the blue and red
fields.
Folding the
Flag
2. Fold the flag in half,
lengthwise, with the
red field covering the
blue field. Pull it taut
again making sure the
open side’s edges are
flush with one
another.
Folding the Flag
3. Fold it in half again, the
close side over the open
side, again maintaining
the flattening tension and
parallel, flush edges on
the open side. The blue
field should now be
displayed face up.
Folding the
Flag
4. Take the closed side’s
field corner and fold it
over the open side
such that what was the
bottom edge is now
parallel and flush with
the open side forming
a right triangle (a
triangle with a 90°).
Folding the Flag
5. At the right angle, fold
the flag again such that a
new right triangle is
formed, still keeping the
open edges parallel.
Folding the
Flag
5. Fold the right-angled
corner of the new
triangle over such that
it forms a new right
triangle with what had
been the bottom edge
now flush with the
side of the flag below
it.
Folding the Flag
7. Continue this sequence
of folds creating right
triangles until the flag is
completely folded into a
right triangle bundle. The
white field and yellow
sun should now
predominate the visible
areas of the flag.
Prohibited
Acts
In Section 34 of R.A. Act 8491, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:
1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute or adding additional
marks on the flag;
2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as part of a costume or a uniform;
3. As trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;
4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and
5. As a pennant in hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.
Moreover, the flag may not be displayed “horizontally face-up, or under any
paintings, picture or platform”. It may also not be displayed in “discotheques,
cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places vice or where
frivolity prevails.
 Panunumpa ng Katapatan
sa Watawat ng Pilipinas
Pledge 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
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.

The law makes no statement regarding the language in which the

pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written (and therefore
recited) in the Filipino language.
The National
Anthem
The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang. It shall always be sung in the
national language within or outside the country.
The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in
accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by
singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the
anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag,
if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the
conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing the right
palm over their left chest. Those in military, scouting, citizens military training and
security guard uniform shall give the salute prescribed by the regulations.
The National
Anthem Lupang Hinirang May dilag ang tula
Bayang magiliw, At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Perlas ng silanganan. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Alab ng puso, Tagumpay na nagniningning.
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay. Ang bituin at araw niya
Lupang hinirang, Kailan pa may di magdidilim.
Duyan ka ng magiting Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't
pagsinta,
Sa manlulupig,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Di ka pasisiil.
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-
Sa dagat at bundok, aapi,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.
bughaw,
The National
Anthem
The anthem shall not be played or sung for me recreation, amusement or
entertainment purposes, except that the following of occasions:
1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a
representative:
2. Local competitions;
3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television
stations;
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater
performances; and
5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the NHCP
The National
Motto

The National Motto shall be

“MakaDiyos, Makatao,
Makakalikasa at
Makabansa.” (Setion 39,
R.A. No. 8491)
The National Coat-
of-Arms
The National Coat-of-Arms shall
have: Paleways of two pieces, azure
and gules; a chief argent studded
with three mullets equidistant from
each other; and, in point of honor,
ovoid argent over all the sun
rayonnant with eight minor and
lesser rays. Beneath shall be the
scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA
NG PILIPINAS”, inscribed thereon
(Section 41, R. A. No. 8491)
 The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the
The Great Seal arms as described in the preceding section , but
without the scroll and the inscription thereon.
Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal
circle within which appear the words “Republika ng
Pilipinas”. For the purpose of pla cing the Great
Seal, The color of the arms shall not be deemed
essential but tincture representation must be used.
The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto. It
shall be affixed to or placed upon all commissions
signed by the President and upon such other official
documents and papers of the Republic of the
Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may
be required by custom and usage. The president
shall have custody of the Great Seal. (Section 42-
43, R.A. No. 8491)
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.

1. Traffic rules are the most basic of our country’s laws. If we learn to follow
them, it could be the lowest form of national discipline we can develop as a
people. A culture of discipline is crucial to our destiny as a nation.
2. Whenever we follow traffic rules, we shoe our love for our neighbour, our
love for the Filipino.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Second: Always ask for an official receipt.

1. Official receipt is important to an individual in order to check if the
transactions made in a department store, grocery, and other establishments for
completeness of record. They can be used for claim of deduction or refund, to
decrease the tax payments, minimize audit, and hard evidence if there is a need
to clarify on the item purchased
2. Whenever we help our government in helping other people, we show our love
for our neighbor.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.

1. Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries.
Buying Filipino means supporting the Filipino.
2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our
neighbors.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country.

1. Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, whenever we
maybe, is a salesman of our country.
2. Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our
neighbors.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Fifth: respect the traffic officers, policemen, and other public servants.
1. Respect honors and dignifies a man. It compels him to do his job right.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we respect those in authority.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Sixth: Throw our garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.

1. The Philippines is the country given to us people. It is the birthplace of our
race. It is the home of the Filipinos. We should keep it beautiful.
2. When we keep our environment and country clean, we show our love for our
people.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Seventh: Support your Church.

1. When we help our Church, we help our Creator in his works on earth.
2. Whenever we help our church, we show love for our neighbor.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Eighth: During elections, do your solemn duty.

1. When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our own destiny,
as a people and as a nation.
2. There is love of neighbor when we elect good leaders for our country and
people.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Ninth: Pay your employees well.

1. A company must bring prosperity not only to its owners but also to its
employees. Blessings must be shared. It builds families. It builds our nation.
2. There is love of neighbor when we value and pay our employees
appropriately.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Tenth: Pay your taxes.

1. Taxes are the lifeblood of our government. It is what builds our public
schools, hospitals and roads. It is what pays our teachers, and other public
servants.
2. There is love for neighbor whenever we pay our taxes properly so our
government can help more people
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child.

1. Investing on our youth is investing on our country’s future. Every family who
can afford, should adopt one poor child as a scholar.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we help a child get an education.
The 12 Little Things We can Do for our Country as Small Acts of
Patriotism

Twelfth: Be a good parent. Teach your kids to love our country.

1. If we start planting seeds of patriotism in the hearts and minds of our youth
today, they would become giant patriots of our country someday.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we teach and raise our children as
patriots, by loving our country through loving our people.
Love of neighbor, God’s Second Highest Commandment is contained in each of
these 12 Little Things.
Adaptation from:
12 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country
by Alexander Lacson
Thank You