Input No.

3: 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 the attitude that the members
of a nation have which includes the concept of national identity 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, principle 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 flags 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 symbol of our country. It shows our unity as a people. It stands for our high
ideals and noble heritage. Therefore, when you show respect for the flag, you also 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 Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Dona Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Jose 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 in 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 the observer’s left when the flag is displayed 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 or the white triangle is equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that one
of its tips points toward the vertex at which it is located.
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 establishment, 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. Malacanang Palace, the Presidencial Residences

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 Veteranos de la Revolucion
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 or a former President, 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 be determined
by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast
on all the building 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 lowered for the day.

Folding the Flag

1. Hold the flag at each of 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 field. 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
a ninety-degree angle).
5. At the right angle, 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 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 flag;
2. A drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of s costume or a uniform
3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;
4. As a 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 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 Filipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa I pledge my allegiance
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas To the flag of the Philippines
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag And to the country it represents
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan With honor, justice and freedom
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Put in motion 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 Filipino Language.

The National Anthem

 The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.
The National Anthem shall always be sung in national language within or without the country. The
following shall be the lyrics of National Anthem:

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
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 ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minimahal.
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 pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical
arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the national anthem is played at 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 first note, all person shall
execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizens
military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The
salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.

The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes
except on the following occasions:
1. International competitions where Philippines is the host or has a representative;
2. Local competition
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 prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe 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, ovoid argent over all the
sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll 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 inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be 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 places upon all commission signed by the President and upon
such other official document and papers of 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.

The 12 Little Things We Can Do For Our Country are Small Acts of Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law

1. Traffic rules are the most basic of our country’s laws. If we learn to follow them, it could be the lowest form
of national discipline we can develop as a people. A culture of discipline is crucial to our destiny as a
nation.
2. Whenever we follow traffic rules, we show our love for our neighbor, our love for the Filipino.

Second: Always ask for an official receipt

1. Asking for ORs leads to higher tax collections, which means more funds for our government, which couls
strengthen our economy and lead us to progress.
2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbor.

Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino

1. Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries. Buying Pilipino means
supporting the Filipino.
2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbors.

Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country

1. Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, wherever we maybe, is a salesman of our
country.
2. Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our neighbors.