BAGUIO CITY — The old and worn-out Philippine flag was recently put to rest at the Baguio City Hall Flagpole Grounds in accordance with the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” or Republic Act 8491.
The old and worn-out Philippine flag had retired by means of being lowered from the flagpole and solemnly burned in order to not be misused nor desecrated by anyone.
This is done according to Section 14 of the Republic Act 8491, with the addition of City Councilor Honorable Betty Lourdes Tabanda representing the “Inang Bayan” throughout the procedure.
The girl scouts took the lead by properly folding of the worn-out flag, reading the ceremonial reading and farewell tribute, and presenting it to be cut into three parts before being turned to ashes.
“This flag has served faithfully; it may be tattered or faded, but it remains as the proud symbol of our nation. It was flown over schools, public and private establishments, headquarters, hubs and events, bearing witness to our dreams. Now, we offer it a respectful farewell,” stated Council Executive of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Jennifer Bugtong.
The ashes of the flag were collected into an urn and buried around the venue 1.5 feet deep before the new flag was raised and the Flag Raising Ceremony was conducted.
The ceremony also stated that the Presidential Proclamation No. 374, series of 1965 declared May 28 as “National Flag Day” to commemorate the unfurling of the first national flag after the Philippine Revolutionary Army had defeated the Spaniards in 1898 at Imus, Cavite. By Dessa Joi Peralta
