The Philippines’ National Flag Days began today in Imus, Cavite, at the historic site of the 1898 victory by Filipino forces in the Battle of Alapan against the Spanish Army. General Emilio Aguinaldo paid homage to the victors as he formally unfurled the new Philippine National Flag before the public at Teatro Caviteño in Cavite City for the first time.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the City of Imus led the 2024 National Flag Days celebration and the 126th Anniversary of the Battle of Alapan on May 28 at the Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat and Heritage Park, Miguel Santo, Alapan II-B, Imus, Cavite.
The Philippines’ National Flag Day was celebrated today in Imus, Cavite, the site of the 1898 Battle of Alapan where Filipino forces emerged victorious over the Spanish Army. Images of the flag-raising ceremony from the City of Imus FB live stream. Full report on @GoodNewsPinas_ pic.twitter.com/KSOb4Og88j
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) May 28, 2024
NHCP Chairperson Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, local officials, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines participated in the flag-raising rites and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the victors of Alapan.
“Imus is one of the most important towns in the history of the Philippine Revolution. The battle of Alapan was the very beginning of Emilio Aguinaldo’s struggle for freedom. What is important is (that) the flag that he brought from Hong Kong was not just an ordinary symbol. It was the symbol of an entire nation and our thirst for liberty and freedom. Ito po ang talino ng Pilipino,” Chairperson Guerrero Nakpil declared in her public address.
“Right here in Alapan, the Filipino soldiers distinguished themselves after five hours of battle. Ito po ang tapang ng Pilipino. The very first victory of the Philippine revolution happened here,” the NHCP official added.
The NHCP records bear that the Battle of Alapan marked the first military engagement in the renewed revolution against Spain after Emilio Aguinaldo’s return from Hong Kong in May 1898. The Filipinos emerged victorious when the Spaniards ran out of ammunition and surrendered. To celebrate, Aguinaldo unfurled the flag amidst the applause and cheers of his men.
Before the flag-raising, the ‘Labanan sa Alapan’ monument was unveiled at the Imus City Rotonda.
Executive Order No. 179 (s. 1994) extended the celebration of Flag Day from May 28 to June 12, Philippine Independence Day, urging the country to display the flag throughout this period.
Celebrate Philippine history and heritage by sharing this article and displaying the national flag with pride!
WATCH the highlights of the National Flag Day at Imus today here:
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