LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato (PIA) – Pupils of Lamlahak Elementary School in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, learn the proper use and display of the Philippine flag as prescribed in the Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
On November 26, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) visited Lamlahak Elementary School to conduct a “Tapat sa Watawat” training workshop with school children and teachers as participants.
Lamlahak Elementary School is a cultural heritage learning center of the Department of Education in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo said fostering a deeper appreciation of the national symbol should start at a young age.
“Importante na sa murang edad pa nila malaman na nila ‘yong mga responsibilidad bilang Pilipino. Importante ang watawat dahil ito ang tanging simbolo na nagbubuklod sa ating lahat bilang isang bansa,” Arevalo said.
(It is important that at a young age, they already know their responsibilities as Filipinos. The flag is important because it is the only symbol that unites us all as a nation.)
Arevalo said that NHCP has already brought the Tapat sa Watawat program to several areas in Luzon and Visayas.
According to her, the Lake Sebu event was the first in Mindanao, featuring participants from an indigenous community for the first time. The municipal government of Lake Sebu headed by Mayor Remie Unggol co-hosted the event.
Arevalo said, “This initiative reflects the commitment of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to foster deeper appreciation for the Philippine flag, our nation’s symbol. Through the Tapat sa Watawat Program, we aim not only to educate but also inspire a renewed sense of patriotism.”
Ryan Tan, the shrine curator of NHCP, taught the Tboli children and their teachers how to show reverence and respect for the Philippine flag, including standing at attention and placing the right hand over the chest while singing the national anthem.
He also elaborated on some prohibited acts against the national flag, such as mutilating, trampling, and defacing; using it as a costume or part of a costume, drapery, or tablecloth; and adding words, pictures, designs, and other markings on the flag.
NHCP officials also conducted a similar training workshop with national line agency personnel, teachers, police, coast guards, fire officers, tour guides, and municipal and barangay officials as participants on November 25.
During the event at the Lake Sebu Municipal Gymnasium, Tan explained in detail the provisions of RA 8491 as well as the history of the Philippine flag and the evolution of Lupang Hinirang.
He also discussed the national motto and coat of arms, as well as other heraldic items and devices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jennifer Tupas, the Lake Sebu tourism officer, told the Philippine Information Agency that NHCP officials also visited the town for the proposed historical marking of the Sta. Cruz Mission School, Inc.
Sta. Cruz Mission School, which was established in Lake Sebu in the 1960s by American Passionist missionaries, has been recognized as a major contributor to the education of indigenous peoples in this part of Mindanao.
The NHCP team also visited the Municipality of Tboli to discuss a proposed historical marker for the establishment of the PANAMIN, or the Presidential Assistant for National Minorities. (DED – PIA Region 12)
