GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, LEYTE—Education officials in Eastern Visayas vowed to implement in all its offices a memorandum strengthening respect and allegiance to the Philippine flag.
Dr. Rebecca L. Ragrag, DepEd’s spokesperson said that all school officials in the region were already directed to ensure that students know by heart the country’s National Anthem.
“This is actually a reminder to all of us. This should be basically applied to all Filipino citizens to know the National Anthem. We should also emphasize respect for the Philippine flag as it symbolizes our country’s sovereignty,” Dr. Ragrag said.
On December 28, 2007 DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus issued a memorandum to all DepEd field offices a memorandum containing guidelines on the proper use of the Philippine flag in schools.
Lapus ordered administrators and teachers to refer to Republic Act 8491, which states the proper manner in displaying the Philippine flag, as well as singing of the National Anthem.
In the memorandum it said that the Philippine flag should not be used as drapery nor should it be used as uniform. It should not be used as part of an advertisement and must not be displayed in front of buildings occupied by non-Filipinos.
Also stated in the memorandum is the prohibition of raising tattered or faded flags in any schools.
“We are directed to monitor strict compliance with the order and institute appropriate sanctions on erring institutions or personnel whenever violations are observed,” Ragrag said.
“Starting this week, we will check all schools if they are complying with the order. The singing of the Philippine National Anthem during flag ceremonies in schools should not be accompanied by canned music,” Ragrag added.
“We will discourage the use of canned National Anthem in meetings and conferences. It’s about time we get reminded of our patriotic duty to renew efforts to respect and pledge allegiance to this icon of a nation that is truly free,” she said
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