The different symbols of the Philippine flag and what they mean.
PHILIPPINE FLAG SYMBOLS – These are the meanings of these symbols of the flag, waved as a reminder of hope and resilience to the people.
The flag of the Philippines is blue, white, and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.
According to Chapter 1 of 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:
The symbols and their meaning:
- The Colors
- White –this represents hope for equality
- Blue – this is the symbol for peace, truth, and justice
- Red – the color symbolizes patriotism and valor
- Note: If blue and red are interchanged, this means the nation is in a state of war.
- The Sun
- The golden sun represents liberty
- The Rays
- The eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces that revolted against the Spaniards who colonized the nation.
- These provinces are:
- Manila
- Bulacan
- Pampanga
- Nueva Ecija
- Tarlac
- Laguna
- Batangas
- Cavite
- These provinces are:
- The eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces that revolted against the Spaniards who colonized the nation.
- The Three Stars
- The three stars inside the triangle represent the three island groups in the Philippines, namely:
- Luzon
- Panay
- Mindanao
- The three stars inside the triangle represent the three island groups in the Philippines, namely:
- The Triangle
- It is the distinctive emblem of the Katipunan, “which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution”
The original Philippine flag is currently preserved at the Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo designed the flag during his exile in Hong Kong in 1897.
As stated in Section 5, “The flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the year.”
As stated in Section 6, “The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of the following; at Malacanang Palace; the Congress of the Philippines building; Supreme Court building; the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani; Mausuleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion; all International Ports of Entry and all other places as maybe designated by the Institute.”
As stated in Section 7, “The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in the open flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared by the President and/or local chief executives.”