National flags are one of the most recognizable objects in the world and they serve as patriotic

symbols with various interpretations. They serve, to some extent, symbols of leadership and
nationalism. Ever wonder what the colors and the symbols of the flags mean? In this article
of JustLearnything!, let’s look into the Philippine Flag: Meaning and Significance.
 

Philippine Flag Quick Facts

Names: National Flag of the Philippines (Pambansang Watawat ng Pipinas); Three Stars and a Sun
Adopted on: June 12, 1898 (Day of Philippine independence from Spanish rule.)
Designed by: General Emilio Aguinaldo (First President of the Republic of the Philippines)

Philippine Flag Colors and Symbols

Blue band
Red band
White equilateral triangle
Three stars
Sun with eight rays
 

Now, let us look into each part to learn what these colors and symbols mean and what they signify in
relation to the rich history and culture of the Philippines.
 

The blue band (stripe) of the Philippine Flag

The blue band
The blue band or stripe of the Philippine flag stands for freedom, truth, peace and justice, thus,
during peacetime; the flag is hoisted with the blue band on top.
 

 
 The red band
(stripe) of the Philippine Flag
The red band
The red band or stripe of the Philippine flag stands for courage and patriotism, thus,
during wartime; the flag is hoisted with the red band on top.
 

 
 The white triangle
of the Philippine Flag
The white triangle
The white equilateral triangle of the Philippine flag is based on the hoist side. The
color whitesymbolizes purity, while the triangle with equal sides symbolizes equality for all
people. The triangle was said to be derived from Masonic symbolism.
 

The three stars of

the Philippine Flag
The three stars
The three stars of the Philippine flag, situated within the white equilateral triangle represent
the three principal islands of the Philippine archipelago – Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao.
(The Declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite explicitly did not name Visayas as one
of the “principal islands” that the stars represent.) 
 

The eight-rayed
sun of the Philippine Flag
The sun with eight rays
The eight sun rays of the Philippine flag represent the first eight provinces that revolted and
fought for independence from the Spanish rule – Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite.
(Spain ruled the Philippines for 333 years.)
 

 
Flags are decorated with various designs and boast a wide array of colors. Though these may seem
arbitrary, it is not the case, as these decorations rather stem from the history, culture, or religion of
the countries they represent. Experts have considered flags as expressive and representative
instruments of culture. Flags oftentimes stimulate strong feelings of pride and patriotism or anger and
hate, as they are not just pieces of fabric; but are representations of nations.

They serve as the identity of the countries they represent and are designed with colors and symbols
that speak a lot of meaning and significance. It is wise to note that, to know a country, one must
know its flag.

Reference: CIA World Factbook and Encyclopædia Britannica