ILOILO City – Campaigning for the widespread display of the Philippine flag, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Western Visayas urged local government units, government offices, and the private sector to participate in the observance of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence from May 28 to June 12.
Regional Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero said the agency has already issued memoranda to governors, city and municipal mayors across the region reiterating the directive and encouraging broad public participation, including from private individuals and businesses.
The campaign aims to promote patriotism and strengthen national solidarity through the prominent display of the national flag in homes, offices, establishments, and even vehicles during the Independence Day commemorative period.
According to Ingeniero, DILG field offices have also been directed to monitor compliance among local government units and government agencies and determine the extent of participation by the private sector.
“We are hoping, too, that barangays officials will encourage their community to participate. As you all know the policy covers LGUs and the private sector,” Ingeniero told Panay News.
The regional directive follows a memorandum issued on May 18 by DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan addressed to governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay officials, DILG directors, and other concerned officials nationwide regarding the Independence Day commemoration.
Iringan cited Republic Act No. 8941, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which mandates respect and reverence for the Philippine flag and other national symbols as expressions of sovereignty, national ideals, and solidarity.
The memorandum also referenced Proclamation No. 374, series of 1965, which designates May 28 as National Flag Day.
“In view of the foregoing, and upon the request of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), all local government units (LGUs) are hereby encouraged to display the Philippine flag in their respective localities,” part of the memorandum read.
DILG regional directors nationwide were directed to ensure the widest dissemination of the memorandum within their respective jurisdictions.
The initiative is further supported by Memorandum Circular No. 118 issued on April 1 by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, directing all government agencies and instrumentalities and encouraging LGUs and the private sector to actively participate in Independence Day activities.
“The success of the celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence requires the active participation of all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the support of LGUs and the private sector. All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned controlled corporations, are hereby directed and all LGUs and the private sector hereby encouraged to extend full support and cooperation in the conduct of programs and activities from May 28, 2026 to June 12, 2026,” the circular stated./PN
