March 29, 2024

All worn-out Philippine flags in the city will now have a proper “burial” ceremony before they are replaced.

The Huling Parangay sa Watawat ng Pilipinas ordinance authored by Councilor Lilia Fariñas mandates learning institutions, government agencies, and other institutions that intend to dispose or replace their old or worn-out flags to take the proper honorary flag burial for their worn-out flags to be conducted at the Baguio City hall grounds on any appointed day during the National Flag Days which are between May 28 to June 12 of every year by virtue of Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

However, any institution/agency/organization may conduct their own flag burial rites on any date and venue as long as the practice is in accordance with the said code.

Section 14 of RA 8491 states that a flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away but solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration.

Institutions/agencies/organizations willing to avail of the Huling Parangal sa Watawat program of the city government shall submit a letter of intent addressed to the Mayor or the Sangguniang Panlungsod for proper acknowledgement during the program. The institution shall be awarded with new flags courtesy of the city government of Baguio.

The worn-out flag shall be surrendered to the city government prior to the burial rite as evidence of replacement and shall also be used during the ceremony. The General Services Office shall receive the worn-out flag for safekeeping until the commencement of the burial rite.

The Baguio chapters of the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts of the Philippines jointly, separately, or alternately shall be the designated hosts for the event.

The amount necessary for the purchase of new Philippine flags for replacement shall be determined by the GSO and shall be appropriated for the purpose. – Jordan G. Habbiling