Baguio: Unlike ordinary cloth that can be discarded in any way, the Philippine flag undergoes a solemn retirement ceremony once it becomes tattered or faded, as demonstrated by city officials and scouts during Monday's rite at City Hall. Councilor Van Dicang, who also serves as first vice chairman of the Baguio City Council of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), said the ceremony is more than just burning old fabric.
According to Philippines News Agency, the worn-out flag that had been used by the city government underwent the retirement process prescribed under Republic Act 8491, or the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines," which governs the proper use, display, and handling of the national flag to instill national pride, reverence, and respect for the symbol. Before Monday's regular flag-raising ceremony, officials, employees, and scouts lowered the flag flying at the city hall flagpole, folded it, burned it, placed the ashes in an urn, and buried it at the nearby park.
"We are reminded that our national flag is not just a symbol but an embodiment of our history, sacrifices, freedoms, and aspirations as people," Dicang said. "Before we raise our vibrant colors proudly against the Baguio sky, we pay tribute to those flags that have faithfully served their purpose. We respectfully dispose of them through respectful burning," he added.
The flag retirement ceremony was held as part of the observance of National Flag Day on May 28. As part of the celebration, the city government has started displaying flags and streamers along Session Road and Harrison Road, serving as reminders of the heroism that led to the hoisting of the national flag in Kawit, Cavite, signaling the country's freedom from foreign rulers.
"We hope seeing the flag displayed and hoisted everywhere will remind us of the relevance of the flag, which has led to the loss of lives of many of our soldiers so that we can freely display our flag," Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said during the flag-raising ceremony following the flag retirement rite. Flag Day comes just days before the Philippine Independence Day celebration every June 12.
