Salute the flag

In response to my column entitled “With Fervor” (4/6/2019), the National Historical Commission invited me to attend the private sector coordinating meeting to prepare for National Flag Day on May 28, specifically the Salute to a Clean Flag Project, a nonpolitical citizen initiative that aims to spark renewed respect and love for the Philippine flag through the reeducation of the private sector on proper and visible flag management. The project is currently supported by major mall owners and real estate developers such as Ayala Land, Aseana Holdings Inc., Federal Land, Oakridge Business Park, Rockwell Land, BGC, Macea, Ortigas Center and Arthaland; as well as by Landbank and Honda, among others.

The proponents of Salute to a Clean Flag, led by Monique Pronove, dream of seeing thousands of pristine, brilliant flags proudly waving across the country. For them, the flag is the only symbol that unifies our country. Indeed, during these times of “administration versus opposition,” “tayo versus sila,” “mahirap versus mayaman” and other distinctions that divide us, the flag is possibly the only sign of nationhood we can rally behind.

History tells us that the Philippine flag was first formally unfurled during the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. But based on Presidential Proclamation No. 374 of then President Diosdado Macapagal, the Philippine flag was first flown in battle on May 28, 1898, in Alapan, Imus, Cavite—hence, the (little-known) commemoration of National Flag Day on May 28.

Specifically for May 28, the call was to stop whatever we are doing at exactly 8 a.m. to salute the flag. For civilians, this simply means standing at attention and putting your hand on your chest as when singing the national anthem. The planned exercise was inspired by the yearly remembrance by the people of Turkey of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revolutionary statesman and founder of the Republic of Turkey, who served as their first president from 1923 until he died in 1938.

Every year since his death in 1938, on Nov. 10, life stops in Turkey at the exact moment of his death at 9:05 a.m., regardless of where people are. Pedestrians and vehicles all come to a halt for a full minute to pay respect. It is amazing that even 81 years later, the Turkish people still give their long-departed leader such proper respect. Stirring videos of this commemoration in Turkey may be viewed on YouTube, and are a solemn reminder that we must truly honor the past if we hope to reap the rewards of the future.

In addition, the participating companies are urged to obtain flags from accredited manufacturers that observe all the proper specifications for the flag (e.g. color, size, etc.); display the flag in all their premises in accordance with the Heraldic Code; install flags along the street islands of their areas from May 25 to June 30; conduct a flag ceremony on May 28 with the recitation of the “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” (not the same “Panatang Makabayan” from our school days).

Unfortunately, I was away on May 28 and could not personally participate, but was heartened to note that from five locations last year, over 600 private sector locations simultaneously raised the flag on Flag Day this year. The Bureau of Fire Protection and the PNP blared horns in the vicinity of the major flag-raising locations using a common tone to urge all to stop. The Philippine Coast Guard also blared horns along the coastlines, particularly Manila Bay. All FM stations under the KBP played the National Anthem at exactly 8 a.m. And Imus, where the Philippine flag was first flown, marked the 121st anniversary of the Battle of Alapan.

I still cannot get over the fact that, 81 years after his death, Ataturk remains relevant to modern Turkey, and its citizens still regard him as the greatest Turk. Back here, we are in dire need of heroes to look up to and rally behind. While the annual commemoration of Flag Day may indeed only be symbolic and observed by a minority, we nevertheless need to be reminded in these chaotic times of unity, respect and national pride.

Patricia A. O. Bunye is a senior partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (www.cruzmarcelo.com), focusing on intellectual property, mining and energy.

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