How To Display the RP Flag

Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices.---reads Section 2 of the REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491

Recent events made me realize just how many of us are still unaware of how the Philippine National Flag should be properly displayed.

Pity, really, how some people treat it as nothing more than a stage prop—something you put up because, well… there’s an empty corner that needs filling. 😏

And no, you don’t just throw the flagstaff there for decorative purposes. There are rules. And for us players in the MICE industry, IT MATTERS. If you're organizing a National Convention, Congress, Conference, or any event where the Philippine flag is part of the setup, you should at least know how to display our National Flag properly.

(And no, please don't raise one during a debut. Unless the debutante is suddenly being sworn into public office. 😂)

And for us movers in the ACADEME, we really cannot afford to be poor, benighted souls when it comes to our National Symbols.

We teach. We influence. We shape the next generation.

So yes, PATRIOTISM should be part of the lesson—not just something we remember when Independence Day rolls around.

Ever heard the line, “Next to God, our duty is to our country?”

Relax. I’m not telling you to go eat a bullet in Luneta. 😂

I’m simply saying: learn the basics. Respect the symbol. Hang the flag properly.

Because patriotism doesn't always have to be grand or heroic.

Sometimes, it simply means knowing which side goes where.

If you must display the National Flag, observe the following:

• When the National Flag is flown with flag or flags of other countries, the flags must be of equal size and on separate staffs of the same height. The National Flag shall be hoisted first and lowered last. 
• When displayed in a row of house flags, the National Flag shall be in front of the center of the line or on the left (observer's point of view) of the row. The house flags should be arranged in alphabetical order, by precedence or by protocol order from left to right (the observer's point of view). 
• When displayed in a row or in a parade with flags of other countries, the National Flag shall be on the left (observer's point of view) of the other flags. The flags of other countries should be arranged in alphabetical order from left to right. 
• When in a parade with house flags, the National Flag shall be in front of the center of the first line. The house flags should be arranged in alphabetical order, by precedence or by protocol order from left to right (the observer's point of view). 
• When displayed in a semi-circle of flags with other countries or house flags, the National Flag should be at the center. When displayed in a circle of flags with other countries or house flags, the National Flag should be flown on the flagpole facing the main road (point of reference- Kilometer 0, Rizal Park, Manila); or in front of a monument; or the main entrance of the building.
•  If the National Flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room or flat against the wall.

There you go! So that we can be guided the next time we display the flag...:)