Evolution of the Philippine flag - Page 10 of 10

"The Present Flag"

The Flag we use today was designed by General Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong Kong. His exile was a condition of the Pact of Biyak-na-Bato, a ceasefire agreement between the Katipunan and the Spanish govenrment. In May 1898, Marcela Agoncillo sewed the flag with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal's niece, Delfina Natividad. Marcela gave Aguinaldo the flag before he boarded the ship McCullough, bound for Manila.

On May 28, Aguinaldo's army defeated the Spaniards at the Battle of Alapan. His flag first saw action on this day, which we celebrate as National Flag Day. On June 12, 1898, the flag flew proudly in Kawit, Cavite, during the declaration of Philippine independence.

Our flag today is a combination of the Katipunan flags that came before it. Blue stands for peace, truth, and justice; red, for patriotism and valor; and white, for purity and equality. The three stars symbolize the island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The eight rays of the sun stand for the provinces that first revolted against Spain.

The Philippine flag honors the countless men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country. So the next time you pledge allegiance to the flag, remember that it is more than just a piece of cloth - it represents the hopes and dreams of a free and sovereign people.