MikeLigalig.com

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA

69 flags unfurled in the light morning breeze at the Plaza Rizal here Monday, as Bohol Provincial Government spearheads the National Flag Day activity Monday, May 25, 2008.

The 69 flags, all raised on poles bordering the Plaza del Principe was simultaneously raised by representatives of the Provincial Government Offices and National Government Agencies, to signal beginning of the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebrations as directed by the Interior department.

The Bohol flag raising activity also came four days ahead of the national simultaneous event.
 
The flag raising also opened up parallel activities coordinated by all local government units all throughout the province. 
 
In fact, the tricolors, now interspaced with the Bohol Provincial flag were also hoisted along the access route to the Chocolate Hills, in Carmen town here.
 
In the country, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo designated Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza to lead the national Flag Day celebration, him being the country’s flag czar.

According to Sec. Atienza, the government spreads the “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” flag theme and puts stress on “pagbibigay respeto at pagmamahal sa ating bansa.”

“Pilipinas Kong Mahal” the Flag Advocacy message is a good reminder for all in the midst of materialism and new technologies, now more than ever we need to enhance good citizenship practices by putting up our flags at home, giving value to the beauty of our natural resources, showing care for a clean and green environment and other practices, Atienza elaborated.

”This year’s theme echoes President Arroyo’s resolve to foster unity among Filipinos under a national symbol telling of an extraordinary country blessed by God,” Atienza said.

On the other hand, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said, respect and pride in the Philippine Flag are the core messages of Flag Day activities where all government agencies, units, schools, universities, embassies/consular offices abroad including private establishments are to display the Philippine tricolor in proper ceremonies.

Sec. Roque, the national organizing committee chairman reported that DepEd has issued circulars to pursue its campaign to educate the public especially in public and private schools to educate them on the proper use and display of the Philippine National Flag.

Similar directives from the Interior Office were sent to government heads to display the flag, streamers in all government buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, public restaurants, hotels, malls and banks.

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