The Philippine National Flag is one of the precious legacies of the 1896 Philippine Revolution. Since it was proudly unfurled by President Emilio F. Aguinaldo at the balcony of his Kawit, Cavite, mansion when he proclaimed Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, the Philippine National Flag has served as our foremost national symbol. It has served as the singular symbol of unity of the various provinces, regions, ethno-linguistic, and sectoral groups of the nation. It represents national unity, love of country, and nationhood.

The Philippine National Flag possesses characteristics that distinguish it from the national flags of all other nations. It is the only national flag which, when the red and blue fields are inverted, changes in meaning. If the blue field is up, it means that the country is at peace and if the red field is up, it means that the country is at war.

"The Filipino Flag," declared revolutionary hero Isabelo de los Reyes, "symbolizes the sublime redemption of the Filipino people, carved and attained by the indomitable integrity of their heroes and martyrs. It is the emblem of Filipino ideals and heroisms."

The Philippine National Flag is Philippine history. "The white triangle," declared Isabelo de los Reyes, "symbolizes the Katipunan's unswerving faith in the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The resplendent and radiant sun in the middle of the triangle shows the country's triumpant destiny. The Sun represents the rule of Liberty and Justice shining throughout the land. Its three golden stars represent the three geographic divisions of the archipelago — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The color sky blue proclaims to the whole world the nobility of the Filipino cause and the deep-red color is the eternal monument to the blood shed by the Filipino people."

Republic Act No. 8491, "An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms, and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines," approved by Congress on February 12, 1998, prescribes the period from May 28 to June 12 of every year as Flag Days.

Our annual observance of Flag Days help promote public awareness of good citizenship values such as love of country, respect for the flag, patriotism, and nationalism.

Let us respect our national flag every day of our life. It embodies our country, our national ideals, and identity.