Whenever we see the Philippine flag, we are reminded that we are a sovereign nation and people living freely in our country as Filipinos. Because of the Philippine flag, we have a proud identity – Filipino – a term which we use whenever we bring pride and honor to our country.
But what does our flag really symbolize?
Section 4 of the Republic Act Number 8491 or An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-Of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines states: The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.
The National Commission on Culture and the Arts lifted from “Acta de la proclamación de la independencia del pueblo Filipino” as read in the original Spanish by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, then War Counsellor and Special Delegate of the country during the Philippine Independence Day declaration on June 12, 1898 in the province of Cavite, the symbolisms of the colors and icons found on our flag:
“…white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the “Katipunan” which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal Islands of this Archipelago- Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where this revolutionary movement started; the sun representing the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces- Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas—which declared themselves in a state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors of Blue, Red, and White, commemorating the flag of the United States of North America, as a manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.”
With this in mind, we hope that the next time we look at our flag, we will be reminded of our national heroes and their sacrifices for the freedom and sovereignty of our country. At Mustaqim, we are proud to be Filipinos from all walks of life!
