With flagraising ceremonies already booked as part of this year's Independence Day celebrations, the Philippine Consulate gave a timely reminder on how to raise the flag correctly - and it's not as straightforward as you might think, writes MICHELLE BALTAZAR.

It was an honest mistake, but it still caused a lot of consternation, and a diplomatic incident, when the U.S. incorrectly displayed the Philippine flag during the 2010 US-hosted ASEAN Summit where President Barack Obama and President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino, Jr. were both present.

 

Blue at the top

Blue at the top


Blue field at the top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As is custom, when the Philippine flag is hoisted on a pole, the blue field should be on top, but at the ASEAN Summit, the red field was on top, incorrectly signalling that the Philippines was at war.

The U.S. apologised and life moved on but in case you are lucky enough to lead a flagraising ceremony - there are at least eight already booked for June - here are some basic tips:

1. When flown from a flagpole, the flag should have its blue stripe on top in time of peace and red on top in time of war.

2. The flag should not be displayed on horizontal position or hung fastened by its fly. The fly portion of the flag should be free to move.

Blue at the left
Blue field on the left
When displayed vertically, the triangle should be on top. The blue field should be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in rime of war.

When displayed over the middle of a street, as between buildings or post, the flag should be suspended vertically with the blue stripe pointing to north or east.

3. When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from stationary staffs, the Philippine flag should be in the centre at the highest point or at the right of the other flag.

4. The Philippine National Flag must not be smaller than the others.

5. When flown with flags or pennants of organisations on the same halyard (for special occasion only), the Philippine flag should be at the peak.

6. When the national flag is borne in a parade with other flags or of other nations, it should always be in front and in the center of the line of the other flags.

7. When used on a speaker's platform without the staff, it should be displayed vertically and placed above and behind the speaker. It should never be used to cover the speaker's desk or to drape over the front of the platform.

8. When mounted on a platform, the flag should be placed on the presiding officer's right and a bit in front, as he faces the congregation. Other flags should be on his left. However, when it is displayed on a level with the congregation, it is placed on the right of the congregation.

9. The flag should be flown from a staff when displayed on a float.

10. The flag should not be used as part of or as a whole of a costume.

11. The flag should not be used as curtain or drape. Use buntings of blue, white and red. The blue color in the bunting should be at the top or at the point of honor and it must be equally in width.

12. Whatever you do, make sure no parts of the flag touch the floor when it is on display.

Source: Philippine Consulate of NSW, Philipine Consulate (L.A.)  

 

 




 


 


Leave a Comment

Word Count: 0
 
 
 

 

 
Sponsors
 

Newsletter Signup