KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – More than 50 worn-out Philippine flags were disposed of by burning during the Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park in this city.
Carlito Uy, private sector representative to the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII explained that burning is the appropriate and legal way of disposing of the national symbol as mandated by the Republic Act 8491 or “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
“Unang-una po, napansin ng RDC 12 na mayroon tayong mga Republic Acts na hindi naman po nako-comply thoroughly. In fact, and Republic Act na ito ay naisabatas noong 1998 pa. So, kung tutuusin po ninyo, ito ay mahabang panahon na dapat ay naipatupad nating itong programa na ito,” Uy told the Philippine Information Agency 12.
(Firstly, RDC 12 observed that we do not fully comply with certain Republic Acts. Indeed, the enactment of this Republic Act dates back to 1998. So, it has been a long time since we should have implemented this program.)
Uy said, the usual practice of government agencies has been to store worn out, torn, and dilapidated flags, which is contrary to the law.
Section 14 of RA 8491 states: “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 wear and tear.”
The patriotic and heraldic disposal of the Philippine Flag in Koronadal City, dubbed “Huling Parangal sa Watawat ng Pilipinas” started with the lowering of the old flag that has flown for years at the Rizal Park. Once folded, the flag was handed over to South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo Ogena for the ceremonial incineration.
Meanwhile, members of the Boys Scouts of the Philippines turned over other worn-out flags to regional directors of national line agencies and local government officials.
Ashes from the incinerated flags were then transferred to an urn, which Uy said would be buried in a designated place.
Wednesday’s patriotic and heraldic disposal of worn-out Philippine Flags was the second such activity held in Region 12; the first was held in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat Province on November 30, 2023.
A third flag disposal event is slated on November 30, this year in Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province. (DED – PIA Region 12)
