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BAGUIO CITY β (June 18, 2021) – All worn-out Philippine flags in the city will now have a proper honorary burial ceremony before they are replaced following the approval of an ordinance on third and final reading.
Authored by Councilor Lilia FariΓ±as, the ordinance aims to institutionalize a regular βHuling Parangal sa Watawat ng Pilipinasβ for learning institutions, government agencies, and other institutions that intend to dispose of and replace their old or worn-out flags.
The ordinance mandates the said institutions to undertake the proper honorary flag burial for their worn-out flags to be conducted at the Baguio City hall grounds on any appointed day practicable during the National Flag Days which are between May 28 to June 12 of every year by virtue of Section 14 of the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
However, any institution/agency/organization may conduct their own flag burial rites on any date and venue as long as the practice is in accordance with the said code.
Section 14 of RA 8491 states that βa flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.β
Institutions/agencies/organizations willing to avail of the βHuling Parangal sa Watawat” program of the city government shall submit a letter of intent addressed to the City Mayor or the Sangguniang Panlungsod for proper acknowledgement during the program proper at least two weeks before the program. The institution shall be awarded with new flag replacements courtesy of the City Government of Baguio.
The worn-out flag shall be surrendered to the city government prior to the burial rite as evidence of replacement and shall also be used during the solemn ceremony. The General Services Office shall receive the said worn-out flag for safekeeping until the commencement of the burial rite.
The Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Baguio City Chapters, jointly, separately, or alternately shall be the designated hosts for the event unless said responsibility shall be passed on to other honorary hosts as may be assigned by the City Mayor or Sanggunian as may be necessary.
The amount necessary for the purchase of new Philippine flags for replacement shall be determined by the GSO and shall be appropriated for the purpose.
According to FariΓ±as, some learning institutions, government agencies, and other institutions/organizations do not strictly practice the proper rites for the disposal of the Philippine flag. She said the βHuling Parangal sa Watawat” program under this ordinance will provide them an opportunity to honor and give due respect to the Philippine flag as they dispose of it and replace it.
The ordinance shall be transmitted to the City Mayorβs Office for the chief executiveβs approval before it takes effect. –Jordan G. Habbiling
