REPUBLIC ACT 8491ROF 2002 (FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES)

 Nationalism and Patriotism

"Nationalism" is generally used to describe two things, first is the attitude that the members of a nation have which includes the concept of national
identity such as common origin, ethnicity and cultural ties. The other one is the actions that the members of the nation take when seeking to achieve (or
sustain) self-determination. Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one's country, an aspiration for its continuity, prosperity, and
maintaining a high regard and respect for the laws, principles and policies of that country.

"Patriotism" is love of and/or devotion to one's country.

 Salient Provisions of Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (As Embodied in Republic Act No. 8491 of 2002)

The Philippine Flag

A flags is a sacred and respected feature of the nation which it symbolizes. Each nation's flag has a specific way in which it should be displayed and folded.
Our national flag is the symbol of our country. It shows our unity as a people. It stands for our high ideals and noble heritage. Therefore, when you show
respect for the flag, you also show respect for our country and people. One way to show respect is to handle the flag properly. The Philippine National Flag
is said to be the primary symbol of the nation's camaraderie, solidarity and unity. It is therefore, the symbol of nationalism and patriotism in our country.
And so, let us learn more about its history and origin.

The national flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolour with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side,
at the centre of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays (Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija)
each containing three individual rays; and at each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star. The sun with eight rays in the Philippine flag
represents the first eight provinces that revolted and fought for independence from the Spanish rule—Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac,
Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite.

The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo. The first flag was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Doha Delfina
Herbosa de Natividad, niece of José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red
field on top in times of war. The Philippine flag is unique in the sense that it can indicate a state of war when the red field is displayed on top or on the
observer's left when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the top end.

The flag's length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all the sides of the white triangle is equal to the width of the
flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that one of its tips points towards the vertex at which it is located.

 Flag Protocol

The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th
of May (National Flag Day) and the 12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of
government, business establishments, and institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. But in recent years, the flag days are
now from May 28 to June 30 yearly. IN Section 9 of R.A. No. 8491, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the
following locations:

Malacanian Palace, the Presidential Residence

The Congress of the Philippines buildings:
Senate of the Philippines building
House of Representatives of the Philippines building (BatasangPambansa Complex)
Supreme Court of the Philippines building
The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in La Union, Cemetery of Heroes (Libingan ng mga Bayani in Makati, Shrine of Valors & North Cemetery in Manila
Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revoluciön
All international ports of entry
All other places as maybe designated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
 Prohibited Acts

In Section 34 of R.A. Act 8491, the flag cannot be used in the following rationales:

Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding additional marks on the flag;
As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or a uniform;
As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;
As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and
As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.
Moreover, the flag may not be displayed "horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture or platform" It may also not be displayed in "discotheques,
cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails"

 Pledge

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag or "Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas" (distinct from the Patriotic Oath of Allegiance or
"Panatang Makabayan") should be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious
beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is being
rendered by standing at attention.

Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at Makabansa.
  The National Anthem

The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang. It shall always be sung in the national language within or outside the country.

Lupang Hinirang

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya nai pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public
shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervour.

As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band
or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palm over their left chest. Those in military, scouting, citizens
military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the
anthem.

The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:

International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;

Local competitions;
During the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations;
Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theatre performances; and
Other occasions as may be allowed by the NHCP.

All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled
corporations, privately-owned entities or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby directed to comply strictly
with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

 The National Motto

The National Motto shall be "Maka-Diyos, .Makatao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa."

 The National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two pieces, azure and gules; chief argent studded with three mullets equidistant from each other; and,
in point of honour, ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words "REPUBLIKA NG
PILIPINAS," inscribed thereon.

 The Great Seal

The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as described in the preceding section, but without the scroll and the inscription thereon.
Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal circle within which shall appear the words "Republika ng Pilipinas". For the purpose of placing The Great
Seal, the colour of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture representation must be used.

The Great Seal shall also bear the National Motto. It shall be affixed to or placed upon all commissions signed by the President and upon such other official
documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may be required by Custom and usage. The President shall have
custody of the Great Seal.

 The 12 Little Things We Can Do for Our Country are Small Acts of Patriotism

 First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.

Traffic rules ate the most basic of our country's laws. If we learn to follow them, it could be the lowest form of national discipline we can develop as a
people. A culture of discipline is crucial to our destiny as a nation.

Whenever we follow traffic rules, we show our love for our neighbour, our love for the Filipino.

 Second: Always ask for an official receipt.

Official receipt is important to an individual in order to check if the transactions made in a department store, grocery, and other establishments for
completeness of record. They can be used for claim of deduction or refund, to decrease the tax payments, minimizes audit, and hard evidence if there is a
need to clarify on the item purchased.

Whenever we help our government in helping our people, we show our love for our neighbour.

 Third: Don't buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.

Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other countries. Buying Filipino means supporting the Filipino.

Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbours.

 Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country.

Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us, wherever we maybe, is salesman of our country.

Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our neighbours.

 Fifth: Respect the traffic officers, policemen, and other public servants.

Respect honours and dignifies a man. It compels him to do his job right.

There is love of neighbour whenever we respect those in authority.

 Sixth: Throw your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.

The Philippines is the country given to us as a people. It is the birthplace of our race. It is the home of the Filipino. We should keep it beautiful.

When we keep our environment and our country clean, we show our love for our people.
  Seventh: Support your Church.

When we help our church, we help our Creator in His works on earth.

Whenever we help our church, we show love for our neighbour.

 Eight: During elections, do your solemn duty.

When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our own destiny, as a people and as a nation.

There is ‘love of neighbour when we elect good leaders for our country and people.

 Ninth: Pay your employees well.

A company must bring prosperity not only to its owners but also to its employees. Blessings must be shared. It builds families. It builds our nation.

There is love of neighbour when we value and pay our employees appropriately.

 Tenth: Pay your taxes.

Taxes are the lifeblood of our government. It is what builds our public schools, hospitals and roads. It is what pays our teachers, soldiers and other public
servants.

There is love of neighbour whenever we pay our taxes properly so our government can help more people.

 Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child.

Investing on our youth is investing on our country's future. Every family who can afford, should adopt one poor child as a scholar.

There is love of neighbour whenever we help a child get an education.

  Twelfth: Be a good parent. Teach your kids to love our country.

If we start planting seeds of patriotism in the hearts and minds of our youth today, they would become giant patriots of our country someday.

There is love of neighbour whenever we teach and raise our children as patriots, by loving our country through loving our people. Love of neighbor, God's
Second Highest Commandment, is contained in each of these 12 Little Things.

Adaption from:

72 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country by Alexander Lacson

References:

Labuguen F., Vidal C.J., Ramos A., Moralde R.P, Plac-er R., Rendorio, E.. NSTP Understand-ing the National Service Training Program
Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.

72 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country by Alexander Lacson

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/#:~:text=REPUBLIC%20ACT%20NO.-,8491,SECTION%201.