Año to Filipinos: Rally behind PH flag amid WPS challenges

The NSA made the call in time for the annual observance of the National Flag Days, which started on May 28 and will end of June 12, the country’s Independence Day. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año called on Filipinos to display the Philippine flag to show their love of the country and commitment to protecting its territory and sovereignty, as the country deals with challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Let the Philippine flag fly high in our homes, in the workplace, in schools, and in our hearts. Our flag is not just colored ink on cloth. It is a proud symbol of our heroic people’s history and our iron determination to defend our nation,” Año said in a statement late Wednesday night.

The NSA made the call in time for the annual observance of the National Flag Days, which started on May 28 and will end of June 12, the country’s Independence Day.

“In the West Philippine Sea, all Philippine Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and even our civilian fisherfolk proudly display our country’s flag. They sail to secure our country’s maritime territory and sovereignty. They patrol our seas to protect our natural resources and sovereign rights under international law,” Año said.

During this period, all Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in their cars, houses, offices, academic institutions, and all other establishments up to the commemoration of Independence Day.

The former military chief also honored uniformed personnel who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the citizenry from various peace and security threats.

“Whenever we fly, display, and salute the flag, it is not just about observing a solemn ceremony or an old tradition. It is an expression of patriotic love that exceeds mere sentimentality. It is a commitment to offer our all, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice,” Año said.

The display of the Philippine flag from May 28 to June 12 is based on Executive Order 179, signed in 1994 by the late former president Fidel V. Ramos.

The NSA also cited an urgent need to address other serious threats to national security including acts of disinformation, malign influence, and foreign intrusion into Philippine territory.