NSTP

CHAPTER 4

Nationalism and Patriotism

The history of nationalism and patriotism in our country is as old as the

history of humankind.

The term “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. These involve having full statehood
with complete authority over domestic and international affairs. On the other
hand, “patriotism” is love of and/or devotion to one’s country. However,
patriotism has had different meanings over time, and its meaning is highly
dependent upon context, geography and philosophy. Although patriotism is
used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for nationalism, nationalism is not
necessarily considered an Inherent part of patriotism. Likewise, patriotism is
strengthened by adherence to a native religion, particularly because such a
community usually has its holy places inside its motherland. This also implies
a value preference for a specific civic or political community.

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.

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

The Philippine Flag

A flag 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 bicolor with equal bands of
blue and red, and with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side, at
the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays
(Manila Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva
Ecija) each containing their 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 Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac,
Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. Rule-Manila,

The flag was first conceptualized by Emilio Aguinaldo. The first flag was
sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Doña
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.

Section 10 of RA 8491 states that when the flag is displayed on a wall during
peacetime, the blue field is to the abservers left.

Flag Construction

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, institutions of
learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag. 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:

1. Malacañang Palace, the Presidential Residence

2. The Congress of the Philippines buildings:

a. Senate of the Philippines building

b. House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa

Complex)

3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building

4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila

5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite

6. Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan

7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in La Union, Cemetery of Heroes (Libingan

ng mga Bayani in Makati, Shrine of Valors & North Cemetery in Manila

8. Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución

9. All international ports of entry

10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical

Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)

Half-mast

The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. Upon the

official announcement of the death of the President or a former President,
the flag should be flown at half-mast for 10 days. The flag should be flown at
half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief
Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.

The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other
persons to be determined by the NHCP, for a period less than seven days.
The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the
decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of
an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the
House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by
the NHCP.

When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a
moment then lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the
peak again before it is lowered for the day.

Folding the Flag

1.hold the flag at each of the four corners and pull it taut. The folder holds
the corners at the end with the blue and red fields

2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field covering the blue field
Pull it taut again making sure the open side’s edges are flush with one
another.

3. Fold it in half again, the closed side over the open side, again maintaining
the flattening tension and parallel, flush edges on the open side. The blue
field should now be displayed face up.

4. Take the closed side’s blue field corner and fold it over the open side such
that what was the bottom edge is now parallel and flush with the open side
forming a right triangle (a triangle with a 90°).

5. At the right angle, fold the flag again such that a new right triangle is
formed, still keeping the open edges parallel.

6. Fold the right-angled corner of the new triangle over such that it forms a
new right triangle with what had been the bottom edge now flush with the
side of the flag below it.

7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right triangles until the flag is
completely folded into a right triangular bundle. The white field and yellow
sun should now predominate in the visible areas of the flag.

Prohibited Acts

In Section 34 of R.A. Act 8491, the flag cannot be used in the following
rationales:
1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding
additional marks on the flag;

2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or

a uniform;

3. As a trademark or for commercial or agricultural labels or designs;

4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and

5. 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 pledges 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 law makes no statement regarding the language in which the pledge
must be recited, but the pledge is written (and therefore recited) in the
Filipino language.

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 na’ 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 singing or both, or reproduced by the anthem. The singing must be
done with fervor. Y any means, the attending public shall sing

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:

1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a

representative;
2. Local competitions;
3. During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and
television stations;
4. Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of
theater performances; and
5. 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 “MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan at

Makabansa.” (Section 39, R.A. No. 8491)

The National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two pieces, azure and
gules; a chief argent studded with three mullets equidistant from each other;
and, in point of honor, 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. (Section 41, R.A. No. 8491)

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 color 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. (Section 42-43, R.A. No. 8491)
The 12 Little Things We Can Do for Our Country are Small Acts of Patriotism

First: Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.

1. Traffic rules are 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.

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

Second: Always ask for an official receipt.

1. 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, minimize audit,
and hard evidence if there is a need to clarify on the item purchased.
2. Whenever we help our government in helping our people, we show our
love for our neighbor.

Third: Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.

1. Our money should support our economy, not the economy of other
countries. Buying Filipino means supporting the Filipino.
2. Whenever we support one another as Filipinos, we show our love for
our neighbors.

Fourth: Speak positively about us and our country.

1. Every Filipino is an ambassador of our country. Each one of us,

wherever we maybe, is a salesman of our country.
2. Whenever we speak positively of our people, we show our love for our
neighbors.

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

1. Respect honors and dignifies a man. It compels him to do his job right.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we respect those in authority.

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

1. 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.
 2. When we keep our environment and our country clean, we show our
love for our people.

Seventh: Support your Church.

1. When we help our church, we help our Creator in His works on earth.
2. Whenever we help our church, we show love for our neighbor.

Eight: During elections, do your solemn duty.

1. When we fight for our votes, we fight for our right to make our own
destiny, as a people and as a nation.
2. There is love of neighbor when we elect good leaders for our country
and people.

Ninth: Pay your employees well.

1. 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.
2. There is love of neighbor when we value and pay our employees
appropriately.

Tenth: Pay your taxes.

1. 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.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we pay our taxes properly so our
government can help more people.

Eleventh: Adopt a scholar or a poor child.

1. Investing on our youth is investing on our country’s future. Every

family who can afford, should adopt one poor child as a scholar.
2. There is love of neighbor whenever we help a child get an education.

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

 1. 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.
2. There is love of neighbor 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.

Adopted from:

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