![](http://region12.dilg.gov.ph/sites/default/files/photos/articles/dilg-xii-joins-national-flag-days-celebration-2019.jpg)
Koronadal City- The DILG Regional Office XII displayed more than 30 brand new flags along its perimeter fence, making true to its commitment of honoring the Philippine Flag during the celebration of the National Flag Days which started on May 28 and will last until the celebration of Philippine Independence on June 12.
In the morning of May 28, employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Regional Office XII joined the whole nation in the commemoration of the 2019 National Flag Day at exactly 8:00 AM in compliance to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-76.
After the singing of the National Anthem, the employees recited the “Pagpupugay”.
Early on, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) have issued a call to all government offices, business establishments, schools and other institutions, including private homes, to proudly display the flag during the 15-day celebration period.
The declaration is based on Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” and House Bill 5224 which were approved by Congress.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos, during his term, has also declared the observance of 15-day Flag Day period through Executive Order 179. The said EO set the celebration starting May 28 all the way till Freedom Day (June 12).
For her part, DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa considers the observance of the national Flag Day as an important event which can help instill the values of love and devotion for the country.
In a local radio interview, Dir.Leysa encouraged everyone to take part in the celebration but she emphasized the need to seek out the deeper meaning of the event which is anchored principally on patriotism.
“Our love for the nation will definitely give us a grip on things that are happening right now. The recently concluded elections have set people apart from each other. The Flag Day, I hope, would help cement the commonality in us all- that of being a Filipino, under one nation, one flag,” she added.
For the next few days leading towards June 12, the Philippine Flags will continue to wave and flutter proudly around the DILG RO XII perimeter, to once again raise the call for our love for the nation.
The flag was used by the First Philippine Republic on June 12, 1898 and it was designed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. It was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, together with her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.###