The long road of the Philippine flag from struggle to sovereignty

Neil Gregori Garen
May 29
3 min read

Do you still remember the lessons from school about why we mark May 28 to June 12 as National Flag Days? Or have you ever looked closely at the Philippine flag and wondered what each symbol truly stands for?

Each year, from May 28 to June 12, Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in homes, schools, offices, and public spaces. It’s more than a tradition; it’s a quiet call to remember our shared identity and the journey we’ve taken toward Philippine independence and through Philippine history.

Here are 5 trivia items about the Philippine flag that every Filipino should know

Philippine flag was first unfurled after a victory

The Philippine flag was first flown on May 28, 1898, after Filipino revolutionaries defeated Spanish forces at the Battle of Alapan in Cavite. This historic moment marked a key turning point in the struggle for Philippine independence, which is why May 28 officially begins our annual observance of Flag Days.

The colors of the Philippine flag have specific meanings

Blue stands for peace, truth, and justice. Red symbolizes patriotism and valor. White represents liberty, equality, and fraternity. Even the three stars carry deep symbolism, representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the country’s three major island groups. Historically, Panay Island is often mentioned as the seat of the revolutionary movement in the Visayas. These colors and symbols together reflect the unity and resilience deeply rooted in Philippine history.

It can be displayed upside down on purpose

In times of peace, the Philippine flag is flown with the blue field on top. But during war, such as in World War II, the flag is deliberately displayed with the red field above. This solemn reversal is a powerful and wordless signal that the nation is in a state of armed conflict.

From sun with a face to eight rays of revolution

When General Emilio Aguinaldo first conceptualized the Philippine flag, it featured a sun with a mythological human face. He commissioned artist Mariano Madrinan to bring the design to life. This early version was part of the original 1898 flag, which also used a darker shade of blue. Over time—especially after the flag was reinstated in 1919—the sun was stylized into the form we know today, without the face, and with eight rays representing the first eight provinces that rose in revolt against Spanish colonial rule: Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Laguna. The evolving design reflects how the flag’s appearance adapted with the nation’s growth, while keeping its revolutionary essence intact.

Flag protocol is protected by law

Under Republic Act No. 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, disrespecting the Philippine flag is considered unlawful. Using it as clothing, a costume, or commercial merchandise is strictly prohibited. There are even specific guidelines on how it should be raised, folded, displayed, and stored, underscoring the reverence owed to this national symbol. This law also standardized the current version of the flag in 1998—featuring a royal blue field, stylized sun, and the same enduring symbols—which marked the fourth and most official iteration since Aguinaldo’s original 1898 design.

The Philippine flag is more than just a symbol—it is a silent witness to our nation's long and courageous journey from struggle to sovereignty. Every color, ray, and star tells a story of sacrifice, unity, and hope woven into our collective identity. As we raise it high during Flag Days and beyond, may its history continue to inspire young and future generations to honor the past and carry the spirit of the flag forward with pride and purpose.