Unit 2- Good Citizenship

The Basic Values of the Filipinos

NSTP as citizenship training scheme focuses on translating the good citizenship values as
reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution into concentrate action in building a better
Philippines. Hence, emphasis in this Topic is placed on the 16 basic Filipino values based on the
1987 Philippine Constitution.
Preamble

We, the sovereign Filipino people, Imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and
humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations,
promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to our selves our
posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of
truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Meaning of Preamble
The term preamble is derived from the Latin word “preambulare” which means “to walk
before”. It is the prologue of the Constitution. Clustered below are the good citizenship values that
are reflected in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:

The Maka-Diyos Cluster The Maka-Tao Cluster The Maka-Bayan Cluster

1. Faith in the Almighty 6. Love 11. Unity
God 7. Freedom 12. Equality
2. Respect for Life 8. Peace 13. Respect for the Law and
3. Order 9. Truth Government
4. Work 10. Justice 14. Patriotism
5. Concern for the Family 15. Promotion of Common Good
and Future Generations
The Maka-Kalikasan Cluster
16. Concern to the Environment

Our Nation is in Crisis

Our People are Suffering
Let Us Stop Being Part of the Problem
Let Us be Part of the Solution
Let Us be Good Citizens

By Living the Good Citizenship Values Enshrined in the Constitution:

FAITH IN GOD. Be God-Fearing and live according to His will.

UNITY. Work together and share with one another.
PATRIOTISM. Place the good of the country above one’s own.
WORK. Be diligent and earn an honest living. Do not engage in crime and corruption.
RESPECT FOR LIFE. Recognize the absolute value of human life and the human
dignity of every person. Do not inflict harm on others.
RESPECT FOR AND GOVERNMENT. Obey the laws of the land and support
government programs.
TRUTH. Stand up for the truth and avoid intrigue and mudslinging.
JUSTICE. Give everyone their due. Do not oppress or take advantage of anyone.

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 FREEDOM. Assert your right to be able to do the right things.
LOVE. Look after the good and welfare of one another.
EQUALITY. Treat one another as brothers and sister being children of one God and
one nation.
PEACE. Live and work together in harmony. Avoid violence as a way of setting
disputes.
PROMOTION OF THE COMMON GOOD. Put the welfare of the greater number of
people who are over one’s own. Do not be greedy and selfish.
CONCERN FOR FAMILY AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. Look after the welfare of
your family and future generations.
CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Keep your surroundings clean and conserve
our natural resources.
ORDER. Respect the human rights of one another and comply with your duties
responsibilities.

FAITH IN GOD
THE RESCUE BOATS
By Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD

Mang Juan was a devout Christian but rather bull-headed. When a flood hit their town, he
climbed to the roof of his house. A rescue boat came by but Mang Juan begged off their help.
“no, thanks. I have faith in the Lord. He will save me”.
The waves rose and Mang Juan climbed to the tip of the roof. Another boat came by to
save him, but he waved it off professing his faith for the Lord.
When the waves began slapping at his feet, he clambered up the chimney. A helicopter
swooped down to save him, but he still begged off, trusting in GOD’s providence. You can guess
what happened afterwards. Poor Mang Juan drowned.
When he stood before the lord, he complained, “Lord, I had such faith in you. Why did you
fail me?” to which the lord said reprimanding him, “what more did you want? I sent two boats and
a helicopter! But you did not use them.”

Reflection: are we using enough our God-given talents, our natural resources to succeed
as a nation and as an individual? “God helps those who help themselves.”

RESPECT FOR LIFE

THE HOUSE OF LIFE
Bro. Andrew Maria, MMHC

The crowd said to the Mystic, “we found a big and beautiful house called LIFE. Without
giving any thought to whom the house of life might belong, we rushed inside it. Yet, to our
dismay, the house of life was empty and there was nothing in it. Life is empty, life has no
meaning.”
The Mystic went to the house of life to see if it really was empty. He knocked on the door
before entering and someone from within opened it. He stayed inside the house for quite some
time while the crowed waited outside. It was already evening when the Mystic went out.
“Is the house of life empty as we told you?” the crowed questioned him.

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 The mystic answered the crowed, “the house of life is not empty. When I was inside, I saw
the most beautiful rooms with the golden chairs, silver tables, and jeweled walls. Above all these,
I dined and conversed with the master of life himself.”
“How can that be? The crowd insisted, “when we were inside the house of life, it was
empty, yet now you tell us that it is not.”
The mystic rebuked the crowd, “You found the house of life empty because you did not
knock before you entered it. You rushed into life without even knocking, as if the house belonged
to you. The master of life, seeing that you lacked respect for life and reverence for it, took away
its beauty because you would know how to use it. You are proud and vain to act as if you are the
master of your own life. For this reason, the master of life gave you the house of life to look at but
not to live in. if only you had knocked before you entered, then you would have seen the beauty I
saw and conversed with the master of life himself.
“Tell us, please,” the crowd begged the mystic, “what does it mean to knock on the door of
life?”
The mystic solemnly spoke, “to knock on the door of life is to be humble enough to accept
that the house does not belong to you but to the master. To knock on the door of life is to seek
the master of the house and not the treasure in the house. To knock on the door of life is to wait
with patience for the master to open it from within and not force it from outside. To knock on the
door of life is to follow the statutes and commandments of the master of life”.
“To knock on the door of life is to pray to the master of life that you may love him since he
not only owns the house but your very selves a well”.
They left the mystic after they heard this. The crowd returned to the house of life and they
knocked before entering. The master of the house of life opened it from within. Once inside, the
crowd saw the beautiful things the mystic had seen. But the most of all, they were able to dine
and converse with the master of life himself.
Life, after all, is not empty.
Moral: treat life with respect, and life itself will reveal its beauty to you.

ORDER
YOUR OWN HOUSE FIRST
Bro. Andrew Maria, MMHC
Cassius the zealot entered the monastery because he wanted to atone for the sins of men.
As a monk, he practiced all sorts of rigorous penances and sacrifices for this single purpose.
“Lord,” he often prayed, “I offer my life for the atonement of the sins of the word”.
One night, Cassius had a dream. He saw himself in a certain village were all the houses
were dilapidated. Driven by his zeal and kindness, Cassius started rebuilding one house after the
other. After he had rebuilt all the houses, Cassius was approached by the Lord.
“Cassius,” said the Lord, “I mean to stay in your house”.
Cassius pointed to his house while he walked with the Lord. “Mater,” he said, “That is my
house”.
The Lord stopped when he saw how dilapidated Cassius’ house was. “I cannot stay in
such a house,” the Lord told him. “Your house is ready to fall down”.
“But, my Lord,” Cassius defended himself, “I was not able to fix my house because I spent
all my time rebuilding other people’s houses”.
“The Lord said to Cassius, “Before you build my dwelling place in other men’s hearts, be
sure that I have one in yours”.
With that, the Lord disappeared.
Moral: charity begins at home.

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 WORK
ANECDOTES OF THE GREAT THAT HELP BUILD A BETTER LIFE
Compiled by J. Maurus
Norman Vincent Peale was waiting to see Herbert Hoover. He asked the secretary how
Hoover was getting on. “Well,” she answered, “he’s in there working hard. He works about seven
or eight hours a day”.
“But he’s 85,” protested Peale.
“Yes,” the secretary agreed, “but he doesn’t know that”.
Moral: work is a timeless occupation. It is both for the young and old.
-oOo-
Seventy-five drafts of Thomas Gray’s poem “Elegy written in a country churchyard” may be
seen in the British Museum. The poet did not like the way he wrote it the first time nor the second
nor the third. He was satisfied only when he had written the poem over and over 75 times.
Moral: don’t settle for mediocre work. Instead, aim for the excellence in everything you do.
-oOo-
When someone was lauding his intellectual brilliance and ability in dealing with the most
complex problems, Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Last Viceroy of India, explained: “The truth is I
am a very ordinary person, and if I have any success, it is only due to hard work”.
Moral: great men are ordinary persons who work extraordinarily well.

Concern for the family and future generations

The love of a mother
Fr. Benign P. Beltran, SVD
Once there lived a poor mother and her son. When he grew up, the son fell in love with a
woman who was not serious with him. He told her he would do anything he asked if only she
would marry him. Half in jest, she told him: “I will marry you only if you cut out you’re mother’s
heart and bring it to me. Only in this way ca you prove your love”. In the dark of night, he went
into the mother’s room, took from his belt a knife from his mother’s kitchen, and plunged it into her
breast. He cut out her heart and ran with bloodstained hands towards the home of his loved one.
As he ran with the heart of his mother in his hands, he stumbled and fell. His mother’s heart said
to him, “Be careful, my son. You might hurt yourself.”

Reflection:
The love of GOD is expressed through the love of a mother.
The love of our parents cannot be measured by any conceivable means. They love us in ways
only they can; in ways only, they know how. Love them, take care of them, and honor them.

Love
Andrew Maria Almonte, MMHC

While the old Gadarhin lay dying, an angel appeared to him in a dream and revealed a
heavenly secret.
“Gadarhin,” the angel told him, “The divine Judge will ask you only one question at your
judgment. If you fail to answer it rightly, you’ll risk losing your salvation.”
“What is the question?”
“That’s for you to find out,” answered the angel and then left the bewildered Gadarhin.

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 Immediately, upon waking up from the dream, Gadarhin surprised his acquaintances when
he asked for theological and philosophical books.
Wanting to gain additional knowledge, he spent each day studying the books. He thought
this was the best preparation to answer God’s questions at his judgment.
Finally, Gadarhin died and immediately and angel took his soul before the throne of God.
Trembling before the divine judge, he heard the question:
“How much have you loved me and your fellowmen?”
Moral: in the end, love is all that matters.

Freedom
Bird in the Hand
One day, a boy was walking at the park and found a bird lying on the ground. He picked up
the bird and went to an old man sitting peacefully under the shade of a tree.
Hoping to trick the old man and display his youthful “wisdom”, he approached him, held out
his clenched fists and asked, “old man, old man, tell me: is the bird in my hand dead or alive?”
The old man thoughtfully looked at him and answered, “little boy, if I tell you that the bird in
your hand is alive, you can easily crush the bird and say that it is dead; but if I tell you that the
bird in your hand is dead, you can easily open your hand, set the bird free and say that it is alive.
Therefore, little boy, the answer to your question is in your hands.”

Moral: God gave us our lives. He also gave us the freedom to choose what we want to make of
them. Indeed, the answer to all our dreams is in our hands. We have the power to make them
happen….but only if we choose to.

PEACE
Author Unknown
Juanito was an idealistic person. He wanted everybody to be happy and lead meaningful
lives. So one day, he strode to church and prayed hard for world peace. He continued praying for
the same intention for a year yet nothing seemed to change.
One day, he decided to narrow down his scope and pray for peace in his own country
instead. He prayed for the same intention for another year yet violence and disturbance still
seemed to be in an upsurge.
Anxious for his prayed to be finally heard, he decided to pray for peace within his family
instead. He kept this intention for another year with no significant result.
Finally, on the verge of frustration he decided to pray for peace within himself. He prayed
for this intention for the next year. Each time he did so, he felt more at peace with himself and his
personal issues, his family, his neighbors until it reached a point in time that Juanito was
considered a man of peace, a friend of everybody especially of the neediest among his
countrymen.
Moral: let there be peace on earth… and let it begin with me.

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 Truth
Anecdotes of the great that help build a better life
Compiled by J. Maurus
When Pope Leo XIII threw open the archives of the Vatican to the world, some Catholics
expressed fear and disapproval. They were afraid that some facts would not be to the glory of the
church. Pope Leo gave the famous reply, “Great is the truth and it shall prevail.”

Moral: be not afraid of the truth. The truth will set you free.
-oOo-
When mahatma Gandhi appeared for the London matriculation examination: “What is more
golden than gold?”
GANDHI WROTE IN REPLY: “Truth.”
Moral: the truth is weightier than gold.

Justice
To every man his due
Institute for development education center for research and communication

There was once a poor farmer who would come to town every day in order to supply a
baker with homemade bibingka. In exchange for five pounds of bibingka, the baker would give the
farmer five pounds of bread for his family.
One day, the baker decided to weigh the bibingka. He discovered that the bibingka was
one pound short. This made the baker very angry, and he accused the farmer of having cheated
him.
But the farmer very calmly declared, “You see sir, I am poor and I have no weights at
home. So, I take the five pounds of bread you give me and use it as a standard. In this way, I am
sure of giving you an equal amount of bibingka.

Moral: justice is giving every man his due.

Unity
How the tenants solved their problem
Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD

Once there were six tenants sharing an apartment. Their living conditions were most
inadequate. The weather in that city was very cold and their apartment had no heater.
Running water was rationed, and there was no electricity because the landlord hadn’t had
the wires repaired. The tenants were in conflict. They quarreled because they were all worried
about their condition and personal problems.
Then one of them decided to do something about the situation. There were some things
she could not do much about. For instance, she couldn’t change the building….the weather….the
water shortage in the neighborhood. But instead of focusing her attention on the problems, she
looked for solutions.
She began by convincing the other renters that they had to join hands together and stop
being selfish and quarrelling. Somehow, r appeal worked. The renters began to share the kitchen
and little water there was. They were able to eat well and there was water for everyone.
Later they agreed to present a joint complaint to the landlord that the electric wiring be
repaired and heating facilities possibly provided. These were gradually affected.

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 Indeed, they did not have the power to change everything but by changing the relationship
among themselves and putting aside their individual interests and squabbling, they were able to
solve their problems and live more humane lives.

Moral: we too can change our society and overcome seemingly insurmountable problems if we
eradicate our selfishness and build peaceful relationship.

Equality
Skulls
Andrew Maria Almonte, MMHC

One day, a group of skulls in a cemetery had a conversation.

“Hey,” said a skull to another, “who were you when you were alive?”
“I was a king,” answered the skull with an air of pride.
“yes, I was once his slave,” replied another skull. “He was a tyrant, a ruthless and
merciless king!”
“how dare you speak about me like that!” countered the king-skull.
“I am your king, remember?”
“shut up!” shouted the slave-skull. “you are no longer my king nor am I your slave
anymore! We are the same now-rotten skulls!”

Moral: each man may differ in worldly stature, but each one bears the same amount of
dignity as another and all share one common destiny.

Respect for law and government

The boss explains ‘Clearly’
Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD
A company employing several thousand people was attempting to institute a pension plan.
But the plan could not be implemented without one-hundred percent participation.
Every employee signed up except, one man. Many efforts were made to win over, but the
man kept on resisting. Finally, the president of the company called the man into his office.
“Here is a copy of the proposed pension plan and here is a pen,” he said. “Sign up or
you’re fired.” Whereupon, the man immediately picked up the pen and signed his name.
The president of the company said, “I don’t understand why you refused to sign until now.
What was your problem?”
To which the man replied, “Sir, you’re the first person who explained it to me clearly.”

Moral: every person must learn and understand the laws of the land, the role of our leaders and
his own duties and responsibilities that he may act accordingly as a good citizen.

Patriotism
Anecdotes of the great that help build a better life
Compiled by J. Maurus
As a young girl, princess Juliana watched a parade from her palace balcony in the Hague.
“Do all these people belong to me?” she asked her mother. “No, indeed, child,” replied queen
Wilhelmina, “we belong to all those people.”

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 Moral: power and prestige do not set us apart from other people. Rather, they bring us closer to
them as they put us in a position to help others in need.

Promotion of the common good

A Chinese legend
Fr. Benigno P. Beltran, SVD
Look at that curve in the river of chi’i with the green bamboos so luxuriant.
The book of songs (waley)

Once upon a time, in the heart of the western kingdom, lay a beautiful garden. And there in
the cool of the day was the master of the garden wont to walk. Of all the denizens of the garden,
the most beloved was a gracious and noble bamboo. Year after year, bamboo grew yet more
noble and gracious, conscious of his master’s love and watchful delight, but modest and gentle
withal. And often, when wind came to revel in the garden, bamboo could cast aside his grave
stateliness, to dance and play right merrily, tossing and swaying, leaping and bowing in joyous
abandon, leading the great dance of the garden which most delighted the master’s heart.
One day, the master himself drew near to contemplate his bamboo with eyes of curios
expectancy. And bamboo, in a passion of adoration, bowed his great head to the ground in loving
greeting. The master spoke: “Bamboo, bamboo, I would use thee.” Bamboo flung his head to the
sky in utter delight. The day of days had come, the day for which he had been made, the day for
which he had been growing hour by hour, this day in which he would find his completion and his
destiny. His voice come low: “Master, I am ready. Use me as thou wilt.
“Bamboo”-the master’s voice was grave- “I would fain take thee and cut thee down!” a
trembling of great horror shook bamboo.
“Cut…me…down! Me…who, thou, master, hast made the most beautiful in all thy
garden..to cut me down! Ah, not that. Use me for thy joy, o master, but me not down.”
“Beloved bamboo”- the masters voice grew graver still- “if I cut thee not down, I cannot use
thee.” The garden grew still. Wind held his breath. Bamboo slowly bent his proud and glorious
head. There came a whisper: “Master, if thou cannot use me if thou cut me not down..then..do thy
will and cut.”
“Bamboo, beloved bamboo, I would..cut thy leaves and branches from thee also.” “Master,
spare me. Cut me down and lay my beauty in the dust; but wouldst thou take from me my leaves
and branches also?”
“Bamboo, alas, if I cut them not away, I cannot use thee.” The sun hid his face. A listening
butterfly glided fearfully away. And bamboo shivered in terrible expectancy, whispering low:
“Master, cut away.”
“Bamboo, Bamboo, I would yet…cleave thee in twain and cut thine heart, for if I cut not so,
I cannot use thee.” Then was bamboo bowed to the ground. “Master, master..then cut and
cleave.” So did the master of the garden take bamboo and cut him down and hack off his
branches and strip off his leaves and cleave him in twain and cut out his heart. And lifting him
gently, carried him to where was a spring of fresh, sparkling water in the midst of his dry field.
Then putting one end of broken bamboo in the spring and the other end into the water channel in
his field, the master laid down gently his beloved bamboo. And the spring sang welcome and
clear sparkling waters raced joyously down the channel of bamboo’s torn body into the waiting
fields. Then the rice was planted, and the days went by, and the shoots grew and the harvest
came.

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 In that day was bamboo, once so glorious in his stately beauty, yet more glorious in his
brokenness and humility. For in his beauty, he was life abundant, but in his brokenness, he
became a channel of abundant life to his master world.
Moral: the real heroes among us are those who live their lives daily in genuine concern for the
welfare of others.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Concern for the environment

The giving Tree
Fr. Benign P. Beltran, SVD

Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy and every day the boy would gather her
leaves, make them into a crown and play king of the forest. The boy would also play hide and
seek, climb her branches and eat her mangoes. At the end of the day when he was tired, the boy
would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree. Very much…and the tree was very happy.
But the time went on… and the boy grew old. And the tree was often alone. Then one day
the boy went to the tree and said: “Come, boy, come and climb up my trunk, swing from my
branches, eat my mangoes, play in the shade and be happy.” “I am too big to climb and play and
I don’t have money,” said the boy, “if only I can have some money.” “I am sorry,” said the tree,
“but I don’t have money. Go take my mangoes, boy, and sell them to the market. That way, you
will have enough money and you will be happy.” And so, the boy gathered all her mangoes and
carried them away. And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time. Then one day the boy came back to the tree who
shook with joy and said: “come, boy, come and climb up my trunk, swing from my branches, eat
my mangoes, play in the shade and be happy.” “I am too busy to climb trees.” Said the boy. “I
want a house to keep me warm.” “I want a wife and children and so I need a house. Can you give
me a house?” “I have no house,” said the tree, “the forest is my house, but you may cut off my
branches and carried them away to build a house.” And so, the boy cut off her branches and
carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time. Then one day the boy came back and the tree
was so happy that she could barely speak. “Come, boy” she whispered, “come and play.” “I am
too old to play.” Said the boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away from her. Can you give me
a boat?” “Cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the tree. “then you can sail away. And be
happy.” And so, the boy cut down the trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was
happy. But not really.
And after a time, the boy came back again. “I am sorry, boy,” said the tree “but I have
nothing left to give you- my mangoes are gone.” “my teeth are too weak for mangoes,” said the
boy. “my branches are gone” said the tree. “you cannot swing of them.” “I am too old to swing on
branches,” said the boy. “My trunk is gone,” said the tree. “you cannot climb.” “I am too tired to
climb,” said the boy. “I am sorry,” sighed the tree. “I wish that I could give you something… but I
have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry,” “I don’t need very much now,” said the boy,
“just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.” “well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as
much as she could, “well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy, sit down and
rest.” And the boy did and tree was happy.
Moral: mother nature is an all-giving mother. While she gives fully, man abuses her relentlessly. It
is time that we care for our ailing mother nature son that she will regain her beauty and strength
once again, enabling her to share life and abundance with us.

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 Nationalism and Patriotism
The history of nationalism and patriotism in our country is as old as the history of
humankind. the term “nationalism” is generally used to describe two things, first is the attitude that
the members of a nation have which includes the concept of national identify such as common
origin, ethnicity and cultural ties. The other one is the actions that the members of the nation take
when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-determination. These involve having full statehood with
complete authority over domestic and international affairs. On the other hand, “patriotism” is love
of and/ or devotion to one’s country. However, patriotism has had different meanings over time,
and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography and philosophy. Although
patriotism is used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for nationalism, nationalism is not
necessarily considered an inherent part of patriotism. Likewise, patriotism is strengthened by
adherence to a native religion, particularly because such a community usually has its holy places
inside its motherland. This also implies a value preference for a specific civic or political
community.
Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one’s country, an aspiration
for its continuity, prosperity, and maintaining a high regard and respect for the laws, principles
and policies of that country.

Salient provisions of Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (as embodied in Republic
Act No. 8491)
The Philippine Flag
A flag is a sacred and respected feature of
the nation which it symbolizes. Each nation’s flag
has a specific way in which it should be displayed
and folded.
Our national flag is the symbol of our country.
It shows unity as a people. It stands for high ideals
and noble heritage. Therefore, when you show
respect for the flag, you show respect for our
country and people. One way to show respect is to
handle the flag properly.
The Philippine National Flag is said to be the
primary symbol of the nation’s camaraderie, solidarity and unity.
It is therefore, the symbol of nationalism and patriotism in our
country. And so, let us learn more about its history and origin.
The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor with
equal bands of blue and red, and with a white equilateral
triangle based at the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a
golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, each containing three
individual rays; and at each corner of the triangle is a five-
pointed golden yellow star.
The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo.
The first flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Aguinaldo, her
daughter Lorenza, and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad,
niece of José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero. The flag is
displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with
the red field on top times of war. The Philippine flag is unique in
the sense that it can indicate a state of war when the red field is
displayed on top or on observer’s left when the flag is displayed

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 vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the top end.

Construction
The flag’s length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length
of all the sides of the white triangle is equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such
manner that one of its tip’s points toward the vertex at which it is located.

Section 10 of RA 8491 states that when the flag is displayed on a wall during peacetime,
the blue field is to the observer’s left.
Flag Protocol
The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas,
and schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and
the 12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices,
agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning
and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag days are now
from May 28 to June 30 yearly. By law the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and
illuminated at night at the following locations:
1. Malacañang Palace, the Presidential
Residence
2. The Congress of the Philippines
buildings:
a. Senate of the Philippines building
b. House of Representatives of the
Philippines building (Batasang
Pambansa Complex)
3. Supreme Court of the Philippines
building
4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
6. Barasoain shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
8. Mausoleo de los Veterenos de la Revolución
9. All international ports of entry
10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute

Half-mast
The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Upon the official announcement
of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten
days. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice-
President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to e
determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall
be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on
the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the
Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be
determined by the National Historical Institute.
When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then
lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lower for the
day.

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 Folding the Flag
1. Hold the flag at each its four corners and pull it taut. The folder holds the corners at the
end with the blue and red fields.
2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field covering the blue. Pull it taut again
making sure the open side’s edges are flush with one another.
3. Fold it in half again, the closed side over the open side, again maintaining the flattening
tension and parallel, flush edges on the open side. The blue field should now be displayed
face up.
4. Take the closed side’s blue field corner and fold it over the open side such that what was
the bottom edge is now parallel and flush with the open side forming a right triangle (a
triangle with ninety-degree angle).
5. At the right angled, fold the flag again such that a new right triangle is formed, still keeping
the open edges parallel.
6. Fold the right-angled corner of the new triangle over such that it forms a new right triangle
with what had been the bottom edge now flush with the side of the flag below it.
7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right triangles until the flag is completely folded
into a right triangular bundle. The white field and yellow sun should now predominate in the
visible areas of the flag.

Prohibited Acts
According to Republic Act 8491 itself, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:
1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding additional marks on
the flag;
2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or a uniform;
3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;
4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and
5. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.
Moreover, the flag may not be displayed “horizontally face-up, or under any painting,
picture or platform”. It may also not be displayed in “discotheques, cockpits, night and day
clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails”.

Pledge
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag, “Panunumpa sa Watawat” (distinct from the
Patriotic Oath of Allegiance, “Panatang Makabayan”) should be recited while standing with the
right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs

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 prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by
law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.

Filipino English Translation

Ako ay Pilipino I am a Filipino
Boung katapatang nanunumpa I pledge my allegiance
Sa Watawat na Pilipinas To the flag of the Philippines
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag And to my country it represents
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan With honor, justice and freedom
Na pinapakilos ng sambayanang Put in motion by one-by-one nation
Maka-Diyos For God
Maka-tao For the People,
Makakalikasan at For Nature and
Makabansa. For the Country.

The law makes no statement regarding the language in which the pledge must be recited,
but the pledge is written (and therefore recited) in the Filipino language.

The National Anthem

The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.
The National Anthem shall be sung in the national language within or without the country.
The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem:
Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng silangan
Alab ng puso,
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag and tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal,
Ang kislap ng Watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pagmay mang-aapi,
Ang mamatayng dahil sa iyo.

The rendition of the National Anthem, whenever played or sung, shall be in accordance
with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing
or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing
must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if
there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first

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 note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chest. Those in
military, scouting, citizens military and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribe by
their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for more recreation, amusement or
entertainment purpose except on the following occasions:
1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
2. Local competitions;
3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater
performances; and
5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned
entities or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby
directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribe for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to
observer the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

The National Motto

The National Motto shall be “Maka-Diyos, Maka-
Tao,Makakalikasan at Makabansa”.

The National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two (2)
pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent studded with three (3) mullets
equidistant from each other; and, in point of honor, avoid argent over
all the sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall
be with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” inscribed thereon.

The Great Seal

The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as
described in the preceding section, but without the scroll and the
inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal
circle within which shall appear the words “Republika ng Pilipinas”.
For the purpose of placing The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall
not be deemed essential but tincture representation must be used.

The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto

The Great Seal shall be affixed to or placed upon all
commissions signed by the President and upon such other official
documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines as may be
provided by law, or as may be required by custom and usage. The President shall have custody
of the Great Seal.

Leadership and the Youth

Leadership is the highest potent quality of an individual to be greatly successful in life. It is
the key dynamic factor that can encourage one to actively participate in many ventures that lead
to the attainment of common goals or purpose.
It is in this premise that the youth, in their role as nation-builders, must develop leadership
potentials such as knowledge, skill and positive attitude to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in

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 meeting their goals and develop the spirit and ethics of service for the good of others. Hence, the
need for training the youth to be servant leaders is very essential.

Leadership Defined
Leadership is a process of giving control, guidance, headship, direction and governance to
a group or organization. It is a key dynamics factor that motivates and coordinates organizations
to accomplish their objective. Without being inspired by a leader, the whole organization or
department might drift along with no definite focus on key objectives such as trying to improve the
worker’s safety.
Leadership is the art of influencing and directing others to do assigned task or goals, in
such a way as to attain them, there is obedience, respect, loyalty and cooperation. Leadership
can be exercised by anyone irrespective of the framework of command. Also, it is the process of
guiding and directing the behavior of the people in the work environment.
• Leadership is the ability to inspire, to build confidence and gain support among the
people to attain organizational goals.
• Leader as a Guide is one who assumes the role of director, organizer, mentor guru or
adviser.
• Leader as a Frontrunner is one who can spearhead, shading light, a trailblazer, and
groundbreaker.
• Leader as a Head is one who can be called as chief, manager, superior, principal, boss
and superior.
Servant Leadership is a kind of servanthood and done as a sense of vacation. It also
stewardship of good citizenship and community. It is a means of serving others more than
oneself.
April et al. (2000) supports the notion of servant leadership in complex organizations,
where a major role of the leader is to synthesize and develop a sense of community in the
organization, with shared power and decision-making and group-oriented approaches. Servant
leadership has along pedigree of religion and involves a sense of servanthood, with leadership as
a state of being (a sense of vocation). It also implies stewardship (a recognition of shared
ownership and interdependence rather than personal ownership of the organization), one
consequence of which is a sense of citizenship of community. The servant leader facilitates the
surfacing of other ideas and networks, and helps to create their future.

Principles of Servant Leadership

According to Spears (2002), the following are the principles underpinning servant leadership:
1. Listening. The servant leader seeks to identify the will of the group and helps clarify that will.
He or she seek to listen receptively to what of being said.
2. Empathy. The servant leader strives to understand and empathize with others. People need
to be accepted and recognized for their special unique spirits.
3. Healing. One of the greatest strengths of a servant leader is the potential of healing one’s
self and others because many people have broken spirits and have suffered from a variety of
emotional hurts.
4. Awareness. It aids one in understanding issues involving ethics and values and view most
situations from a more integrated and holistic position.
5. Persuasion. Another characteristic of a servant leader is the primary reliance on persuasion
rather than positional authority in making decisions within an organization.
6. Conceptualization. Servant leaders seek to nurture their abilities to “dream great dreams”.
The ability to look at problems from a conceptualized perspective means that one must think
beyond today’s realities.

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 7. Foresight. This enables the leader to understand the lessons from the past realities to the
present and the likely consequence of a decision for the future.
8. Building Community. Servant Leadership suggests that the true community can be created
among those who work in business and other institutions.

Qualities of Servant Leaders

The following are the qualities of a servant leader.
1. Puts others ahead of his own agenda. The first mark of servanthood is the ability to put
others ahead of yourself and your personal desires.
2. Possesses the confidence to serve. The real heart of servanthood is security. Show me
someone who thinks he is too important to serve and I’ll show you someone who is basically
insecure. How we treat others is really a reflection of how we think of ourselves.
Philosophers-poet Eric Hoffler captured that thought.

The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves, we do unto others as
we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when
we forgive ourselves. It is not love of self but hatred of self which is at the root troubles that
afflict our world.
The law of Empowerment says that only secure leaders give power to others. It is also true
that only secure leaders exhibit servanthood.
3. Initiates service to others. It is way of serving without being compelled. It manifests one’s
concern to do things for others especially during crisis. You can really see the heart of
someone who initiates service to others. Great leaders see the need, size the opportunity
and serve without expecting anything in return.
4. Is not position-conscious. Servant leaders don’t focus on rank or position. When Colonel
Norman Schwarzkopf stepped into that minefield, rank was the last thing on his mind. He
was person trying to help another. If anything, being the leader gave him a greater sense of
obligation to serve.
5. Serves out of love. Servanthood is not motivated by manipulation of self-promotion. It is
fueled with love (willingness to serve). In the end, the extent of your influence depends on
the depth of your concern for others. That is why it is important for leaders to be willing to
serve.
To internalize the deeper meaning of servant leadership, one must apply the following process:
1. Reflecting on it. As a leader, one must reflect about himself to determine who he is as a
person and identify his inner leadership intention.
“Where is your heart when it comes to serving others? Do you desire to become a leader
for the perks and benefits? Or are you motivated by manipulation of self-promotion?”
If you really want to become the kind of leader that people want to follow, you will have to
settle the issue of servanthood. If your attitude is to be served rather than to serve, you may
be healed for trouble. If this is an issue in your life, then head this advice.
a. Stop lording people, and start listening to them.
b. Role play for advancement, and start risking your own interest for other’s benefit.
c. Stop seeking your own way, and start serving others.
d. It is true that one who would be great must be like the least and servant of all…
2. Bringing It Home. To improve your skill in servanthood, you must do the following:
a. Perform small acts. When was the last time you performed acts of kindness to
others? Start with those closest to you: your spouse, children and parents. Find ways
today to do small things that show others care.

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 b. Learn to walk slowly through the crowd. One of the greatest lessons I learned as a
young leader came from my father. I call it walking slowly through the crowd. The
next leagues, or employees, make it your goal to connect with others by circulating
among them and talking to people. Focus on each person you meet. Learn his name.
If you know it already make your agenda of getting to know each person’s needs
wants and desires. Then later when you go home, make a note to yourself to do
something beneficial for half a dozen of those people (anecdote of a leader,
anonymous).
c. Move into action. If an attitude of servanthood is conspicuously absent from your
life, the best way to acquire it is to start serving. Begin serving with your body and
your heart will catch up. Sign up to serve others for six months at your Church, a
community agency of a volunteer organization. If your heart changes then it works.
d. Daily Take Away. Albert Schweitzer wisely stated,” I don’t know what your destiny
will be, but one thing I know, the ones among you who will be really happy are those
who have sought and found how to serve”. If you want to lead on the highest level, be
willing to serve on the lowest.
In the truest sense, servanthood is the gift of doing good for others which sometimes
include the exclusion of meeting the personal needs. Servants look for ways to do for others
both within and beyond the congregation and community. Servants do not choose to
serve, but serve from the sense of identity and call. Gifted servants never feel put
upon or taken advantage of, but see each opportunity to do for others as a way to be
true to self and in service to others. As leaders, the need to reflect on it, bring it home and take it
away daily is a great passion for going along with one’s inner intention for the good of others.

SEVEN (7) HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE (Steven Covey)

Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself with the
principles of a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.
I. Independence or Self-Mastery. The first 3 habits surround moving from dependence to
independence (i.e. self-mastery).
Habit 1: Be Proactive. Take initiative in life by realizing your decisions (and how they
align with life’s principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life.
Take responsibility for your choices and the subsequent consequences that follows.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind. Self-discover and clarify your deeply important
character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various
roles and relationships in life.
Habit 3: Put First Things First. Plan, prioritize, and execute your week’s task based on
importance rather than urgency. Evaluating if your efforts exemplify your desired character
values, propel you towards goals, and enrich the roles and relationships that were
elaborated in Habit 2.
II. Interdependence. The next three have to do with interdependence (i.e. working with
others):
Habit 4: Think Win-Win. Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements
in your relationships. Valuing and respecting people by understanding a “win” for all is
ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only person in the situation had gotten his
way.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Use empathetic listening to
be genuinely influenced by person, with compels them to reciprocate the listening and take
an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect,
and positive problem solving.

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 Habit 6: Synergize. Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to
achieve goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best performance out of a
group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling inspirational
and supportive leadership.
III. Self-Renewal. The last habit relates to self-rejuvenation:
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to
create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle.

WEEK 3-4: UNIT 2: Good Citizenship 25