Alvarado likens Filipinos to the Philippine flag, calls to respect and love it

CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado emphasized the importance of the Philippine flag by comparing it to Filipinos during the 118th Anniversary of the Philippine National Flag held in front of the Provincial Capitol Building, early morning today.

“Sa susunod pong tanawin natin ang ating watawat, sana’y madama nating ang watawat na ito ay tayo, siya, ikaw, ako. Igalang natin at pakamahalin at ang iginagalang natin ay ang ating mga sarili at ang ating kapwa,” Alvarado said.

The governor also called on the Bulakenyos to be strong willed and emulate the country’s heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.

“Gumising na tayo sa harap ng katotohanan na kaya nating maging malaya mula sa pagkabihag o pagkaalipin, malaya na tayong panindigan ang katuwiran at katarungan sapagkat malaya na tayong tumayo sa sarili nating mga paa at sariling pagsisikap at paggawa,” he added.

Furthermore, together with Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, OIC PS/Supt Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office and department heads headed by Provincial Administrator Eugenio Payongayong, Alvarado led the flag raising and wreath laying ceremony in front of the statue of Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar.

It was on May 28, 1898 when the Philippine flag was first raised and received its baptism of fire and victory in the battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite and after the American government banned this act for decades, it was reinstated in 1919.

By virtue of Proclamation No. 374, s. 1965, May 28 was declared as Flag Day each year and in 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179, extending the National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12 for it is an opportune time for all Filipinos to collectively reflect on the significance of the National Flag, in the light of the Philippine Independence celebration.