Gov’t agencies, schools ordered to make ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ part of flag ceremonies

Malacañang has directed all national government agencies and educational institutions to make the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) hymn and pledge a part of weekly flag ceremonies.

Based on the Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4, the order was made “to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.”

“Bagong Pilipinas, which is characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government, reinforced by unified institutions of society, is envisioned to empower Filipinos to support and participate in all government efforts in an all-inclusive plan towards deep and fundamental social and economic transformation in all sectors of society and government,” the circular read.

Heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities were tasked to ensure that the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge will be properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices.

The Presidential Communications Office is likewise directed to implement effective measures to communicate and disseminate the hymn and pledge to all government offices and the public.

Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” states that all government offices, including local government units, shall conduct a flag raising ceremony every Monday morning and flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.

In July 2023, the Marcos administration unveiled the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership campaign in a bid to implement an “all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.”

With this, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), to adopt the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign in planning all their programs and activities; and use its logo in their letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents and instruments pertaining to flagship programs of the government.

The round logo is similar to the Philippine flag where a yellow sun is seen partly wrapped by blue and red ribbons. Above are three stars. —Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News