The do’s and don’ts in the use, care, handling, and display of our Philippine flag should be known to every Filipino. The national flag being our country’s symbol should be used in a manner that shows our respect.

I am reproducing hereunder some excerpts from some reference materials from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the subject of “Protocol of the Flag.” I feel that Filipino exporters as well as other local businessmen need to update themselves about the proper use and care of the Philippine flag.

• “When used in a speaker’s platform, the flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker never on the front of the platform. If flown from a staff, it should be on the speaker’s right;

• “The flag should be hung horizontally or vertically. When hung horizontally, the blue field should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is half-mast. In times of war in which the Philippines is involved, the red field is placed topmost. When hung vertically, with the equilateral triangle on top, the blue field should be to the left and the red field to the right of the viewer facing the flag;

• “The flag should never be used to cover a desk or table, or as a covering for a ceiling, or a receptacle, or as drapery of any sort whatsoever;

• “When used in unveiling a statue or monument, the flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. At the moment of unveiling, it should be carried aloft;

• “When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed so that the equilateral triangle with the sun and the stars is at the head, with the blue field to the right, and the red field to the left of the deceased;

• “When the Philippines and foreign flags are displayed on a flag pole, the poles should be at the same height with the Philippine flag on the left as the group is viewed;

• “No flag or pennant should ever be flown above the Philippine flag;

• “The flag should never be dipped to any person or object;

• “The flag should not be loaned except for official or community ceremonial purposes;

• “When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it should be completely destroyed preferably by burning;

• “When desired the use of national colors as covering for a speaker’s desk, in general, bunting should be used. Bunting should be arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below;

• “The likeness of Philippine flag should never be embroidered or painted on wearing apparel and advertising materials;

• “During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering of the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag, stand at attention, and salute. Men should remove their hats or headdresses with the right hand and hold them at the left breast. Women should salute by placing the right hand over the heart. The salute to the flag in the moving column is rendered at the moment the flag passes. When the national anthem is played, the same manner of saluting the flag is displayed, all should face the musicians.

There are basic things that our businessmen including exporters should know. The proper use and display of our Philippine flag is one of the basic things that Filipinos should know.

Hopefully, the readers of this article will share with others the above information that I have shared with you now.

Have a joyful day!