Central Luzon marks National Flag Day

By Manny Balbin and Marilyn Galang/Philippine News Agency

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Officials and residents in Central Luzon showed their patriotism in various ways as they joined the entire country in celebrating National Flag Day.

Leaders, as well as ordinary folks in the region, demonstrated their nationalism as they paid respect to the Philippine flag.

In Nueva Ecija, personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)- Nueva Ecija, headed by Col. Roberto Miranda, joined SM City Cabanatuan’s officials, employees and other participants in a flag ceremony at the mall’s ground on Tuesday.

Radio stations DZXO-am and DWWG-fm, on the other hand, played the national anthem Lupang Hinirang at exactly 8 a.m.

A group called Kalinga sa Kalikasan ng Puncan and Novo Ecijano Mountaineers, meanwhile, raised a flag at the summit of the famous Mt. 387 in Barangay Puncan, in the province’s northernmost town of Carranglan.

In Pampanga, the conduct of simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies and recital of “Pagpupugay” was held throughout the province.

One of the highlights in the provincial celebration is the ceremonial distribution of small flags led by the provincial and city officials, members of the academe, and employees.

Mayor Edwin Santiago of the City of San Fernando, said the Philippine flag symbolizes freedom, peace, and unity, which are being applied in the city in a bid to become a progressive place to live in.

In Bulacan, the commemoration of the National Flag Day was observed Monday with the provincial leaders asking Bulakeynos to always give respect to the Philippine flag.

First District Rep. Jose Antonio Jonathan R. Sy-Alvarado, in his message during the celebration held in front of the provincial capitol building in Malolos City, cited the importance of looking back at history to honor the beauty of the present.

“This day is a glimpse, gratitude to our heroes and to those who really love our country. Our flag is full of sweat, full of blood, hard work and death, and is inspired by the lives and affection of our heroes,” the lawmaker said.

Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, in his speech which was read by Provincial Administrator Eugenio Payongayong, said that the flag is the most famous and sacred symbol of the country’s independence that our ancestors have fought for.

“Our flag reflects not only the independence but also our souls as people enclosed in love for the people and the desire to achieve his well-being. The unique symbol of the people can also be regarded as the day of survival of the people detained in the fire of rebellion,” the outgoing governor and vice governor-elect said.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor and governor-elect Daniel R. Fernando highlighted the role of Bulakenyos in the past revolution that resulted in the inclusion of Bulacan as one of the sun’s rays in the national flag.

“The successful history calls us today to disperse our differences and instead bind with respect, concern, and love to every Filipino brother,” the governor-elect said.

The three Bulacan leaders were joined by other local officials in the flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying before the bust of Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar.

Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Pampanga were among the eight provinces that led the uprising against Spanish colonizers. These provinces are represented among the eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag.

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