KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) — Thirty-one old, torn, and worn-out Philippine flags were burned on Bonifacio Day, November 30, in Kidapawan City as an ultimate honor to the national symbol.
Republic Act 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” prescribes the disposal of tattered Philippine flags.
Section 14 of RA 8491 stipulates: “A 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.”
“The ceremonial disposal of worn-out Philippine flags is our final tribute to our national symbol. This significant activity today reminds us of the enduring values that our flag represents—freedom, resilience, and unity,” Regional Director Phlorita Ridao of the National Economic and Development Authority in Region 12 explained.
The proper disposal of the flag, she emphasized, “accords the Philippine Flag with highest respect and dignity it deserves.”
The event highlighted the commemoration of Bonifacio Day in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
Meanwhile, Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said the ceremonial disposal prevents improper use and other dishonorable acts against the national symbol.
“Di pwedeng itapon na lang kahit saan ‘yong lumang mga flag (You can’t just throw away the old flags anywhere). We have to dispose of it properly. Imagine if the flag will be thrown sa sanitary landfill o sa basurahan. We cannot allow that because it’s the symbol of our country, of our Filipino identity,” Mayor Evangelista said.
Ashes from the burnt flags were placed in an urn and buried in a columbarium at the Himlayan ng Mga Watawat ng Pilipinas near the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in the city plaza.
This is the third time that the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, led by the Regional Development Council (RDC), conducted a ceremonial disposal of the Philippine flag.
The first solemn disposal of Philippine flags was held on November 30, 2023, in Tacurong City, while the second was conducted in Koronadal City on June 12, 2024.
In 2022, the RDC approved Resolution No. 136, creating a technical working group (TWG) on heraldic codes whose functions include proper disposal of worn-out Philippine flags. It also passed Resolution No. 107 series of 2023 enjoining all Council members to support all initiatives, activities, and projects of the TWG.
“[We are] hoping this will be emulated by other LGUs in the region as the proper and only way of disposal [of the Philippine flag],” RDC private sector representative Carlito Y. Uy stated.
Retired General Celestino Desamito Jr. leads RDC’s TWG on Heraldic Code.
The ceremonial disposal of the Philippine flag in Kidapawan City was witnessed and participated in by officials of the RDC and national line agencies, local government officials and employees, uniformed personnel, Masons, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, and others. (DED – PIA Region 12)
