Philippine Flag: The Country's Colors

In many places in the Philippines, you will see its national flag waving proudly against the wind. Locally referred to as “bandila” or “watawat”, the Philippine flag is the national symbol of this country's rich history and proud heritage.

The Philippine flag was first conceptualized by the country's first president Emilio Aguinaldo in 1987. This flag was first sewn by Marcella Agoncillo and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad and Lorenza Agoncillo. The flag made its first public appearance when the country was proclaimed independent in June 12, 1898.

The Philippine flag is separated into two horizontal fields. A royal blue band is placed on the upper part to represent peace, justice and truth. The lower field which is colored with scarlet red, stands for valor and patriotism. Once the red band is placed on top of the blue one, this means that the Philippines is on war.

A white equilateral triangle placed on the hoist side of the flag symbolizes purity and equality. There is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays in the center of the triangle. The eight rays represent the eight provinces that first fought against the Spanish colonizers. These include the provinces of Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pampanga. The three main island groups of the Philippines namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are also represented by three five-pointed stars placed on each corner of the triangle.

According to some historians, the design was based from the flag of Cuba, as the Philippines had similar struggles and consequent revolutions against the Spanish authorities. Other sources indicate that the original design of the flag includes a sun with a mythical face which symbolizes the Spanish colony.

Existing Philippine laws prohibit anyone from ridiculing the flag, either by dipping it as a compliment or salute, or by adding additional marks of any nature. The national flag cannot also be used in commercial enterprises or be used as a pennant in any part of a motor vehicle.