Simple ceremonies to celebrate the National Flag Day amid the pandemic

The Philippine Flag was first unfurled May 28, 1898 by Filipino revolutionaries after a hard-fought encounter against the Spanish force prior to the proclamation of the Philippine independence on June 12, 1898 by Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo. (Photo: udimagen.org)

IMUS CITY, Cavite May 29 (PIA) -- This year's celebration of the National Flag Day which commemorates the 122nd year the Philippine Flag was first unfurled May 28, 1898 was both somber and solemn with its simplicity.

The annual event was held at the Pambansang Dambana ng Watawat (Imus Heritage Park) at Barangay Alapan II-B with the simple ceremonies led by Mayor Emmanuel L. Maliksi, Vice-Mayor Ony Cantimbuhan together with representatives of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and personnel of the Imus Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City of Health Office, and employees of the city government.

During the program, the city's hardworking and brave frontliners were honored and recognized for their tireless dedication to their jobs of saving lives and helping others especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just like the heroes of the Philippine Revolutionary Army who fought for the country's freedom from the Spanish forces, our frontliners are also fighting for the freedom that the corona virus had suppressed so abruptly.

Mayor Maliksi said in his speech, "Every Filipino is ecouraged to display the Philippine flag in all government buildings, offices, schools, and homes during this period. Let us fly our flags proudly this year not only for the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the past, but also for our modern-day heroes, the frontliners who battle COVID-19 day in and day out."

Meanwhile, the event also gave way to the blessing of the Inang Laya Monument which is scheduled for unveiling next year, and a small exhibit showing the perspective of the Imus Heritage Park, that is truly a legacy in the making. 

On May 23, 1994, Executive Order No. 79 was issued to extend the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12, Independence Day, thus the city of Imus has two-weeks of activities-filled celebration known as the Wagayway Festival. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite with reports from the FB page of Mayor Maliksi and the Imus Bfp)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)