PHL celebrates National Flag Day

The Philippines is commemorating the 121st National Flag Day on Tuesday, May 28.

It was actor John Arcilla who led the oath before the Philippine flag after the flag-raising ceremony at the Heritage Park in Imus, Cavite.

Navy 2nd Dental Technician Nelson Samsaraji, a Tausug, inspects the Philippine flag before a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Imus, Cavite, for the 121st National Flag Day celebration. All government offices, business establishments, schools, and private homes are encouraged to display the flag on National Flag Day. Danny Pata

The day also remembered the Battle of Alapan, which took place on May 28, 1898, and was Emilio Aguinaldo's first victory against Spanish naval infantry upon returning from exile in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also celebrated the day in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

PNP, nagbigay pugay sa watawat ng bansa ngayong National Flag Day I @dzbb pic.twitter.com/hVZEdhiSpJ

— Mark Makalalad (@MMakalalad) May 28, 2019

"Ang Pambansang Pulisya ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ngayon ng Araw ng Watawat at sa Araw ng Kalayaan sa darating na Hunyo. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang salitang kalayaan ay unti-unti na na nating hinuhubog kung paano natin magagawang mas makabuluhan at kapaki-pakinabang ang ginawang sakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno," the statement of PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde read.

According to the PNP, the Philippine flag symbolizes the unity of all Filipinos.

In Kidapawan City, Cotabato, a short program was held at the Kidapan City Plaza participated in by members of the Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Members of the Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts of the Philippines wave Philippine flags during the short program at the Kidapawan City Plaza in Cotabato to commemorate the 121st National Flag Day on Tuesday, May 28. Williamor Magbanua

National Historical Commission of the Philippines Director Ludovico Badoy said the Philippine flag was raised simultaneously in 600 areas in the country on Tuesday, according to a report by Bernadette Reyes on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

The government and the private sector worked hand in hand to educate Filipinos on how to honor the Philippine flag, he said.

Ludovico said the Philippine flag should be kept clean and in order. Everyone should also honor it by standing at attention as a sign of respect whenever the National Anthem is played.

The private sector has donated 10,000 flags for use in schools. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News