IMUS CITY, Cavite — Provincial and city officials, including members of the Philippine Veterans Association, Free Masons of the Philippines, health workers, students, teachers, local folks and the general public attended this year’s National Flag Day celebration at this city’s ‘Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat’ (Heritage Park) on Monday.
Philippine Navy was the military host for this year’s commemoration event, with the theme: Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.” (Freedom we fought for, our offering for a progressive future)
Proclamation No. 374, issued on March 6, 1965, declared May 28 of each year as the National Flag Day, to commemorate the date when the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army, led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, defeated the Spanish forces in the historic ‘Battle of Alapan’ in Imus, Cavite in the year 1898.
The annual commemoration, which traces its beginnings as an olden tradition started by Barrio Alapan through the “Flag Day Revolucionarios de Filipinas,” or Banderada (Parade of the Flags), has now evolved to a four-part program: flag raising, oath to the flag, wreath-laying and program.
Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, while Justin Robert Toriba and Hayneeka R. Vergara from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) of Malagasang 2 Elementary School led the oath to the national flag.
The annual celebration is to continuously impart our forefathers’ gallantry and bravery and their extreme love for country, which led to the country’s freedom that may inspire us to aspire for the same greatness, said City Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi as he warmly welcomed the guests.
He calls on his constituents to remain an active force in promoting the city as a cradle of history and for its rich cultural heritage.
Seen at the event are (3rd District) Rep. Alex Advincula, Imus City Vice Mayor Arnel M. Cantimbuhan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Director Ludovico D. Badoy, Cavite Historian and De La Salle University Professor Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, PNP Cavite Police Director Senior Supt. William Mongas Segun and guests from Imus City’s sister city in Korea led by its Mayor Kum Kiu Soon.
Monday’s festivities kicked off the “Kalayaan Festival” where the entire province came up with a series of events leading to the Independence Day celebration at Kawit town on June 12.
The May 28 flag day also signals the start when the nation starts displaying the national flag in all buildings, establishments and homes until June 12, per Executive Order No. 179. (Gladys Pino/PNA)
