DOT reminds establishments on proper display of Philippine flag

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Tourism (DOT) reminds accommodation establishments to practice and observe proper procedures in displaying the Philippine flag ahead of the country’s celebration of the 124th Independence Day next month.

“Displaying our country’s flag is a sign of pride and patriotism as it reflects our loyalty and commitment to the Philippines. It should be given utmost respect and importance wherever it may be placed,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

According to the DOT’s Advisory No. 03 s. 2022, establishments that wish to fly the Philippine flag must carefully observe and comply with Republic Act (RA) No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Under RA 8491, establishments may only display the country’s flag in certain locations such as prominent places like lobbies, driveways, and courtyards among others.

The Philippine Flag may be displayed inside or outside the building or on stationary flagpoles.

If the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room.

From the top of a flagpole, it should be at a prominent place or a commanding position in relation to the surrounding buildings.

It can also be from a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, balcony, or facade of a building.

It can also be in a suspended position from a rope extending from a building to a pole erected away from the building or flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top.

If a flag is hanging in a vertical position across a street, it should be the blue field pointing east, if the road is heading south or north, or pointing north if the road is heading east or west.

If planted on the ground, the flagpole will be at a prominent place such as lobbies, driveways, or courtyards, and shall be of such height as would give the flag a commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity while if attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward.

If on stage or platform, such as those in conference ballrooms and conference rooms, the flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering.

DOT also reminded establishments of the proper display of colors with the flag, “if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war. The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top”.

When displayed with other flags, if both are national flags, it must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size and when displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on the right of the other flag and if there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be in the middle of the line.

It is a no-no for the flag to touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water, or other objects.

The flag should not also be used as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth; covering for ceilings, walls, statues, or other objects; pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles or as a staff or whip; for unveiling monuments or statues; trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs;  costume or uniform, in whole or in part; as a printed, painted or attached representation on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise; and as part of or a display in any advertisement or an infomercial.

It is also prohibited to display the flag under any painting or picture, and horizontally face-up and in clubs, casinos, or bars.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard has successfully installed five of the 10 floating markers procured in Spain at the four critical islands in the West Philippine Sea.

The modern buoys arrived in Cebu last May 7 and can now be seen at Lawak Island, Likas Island, Parola Island, and Pag-asa Island. — FPL (FREEMAN)