CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Local Government of San Fernando, through its City Tourism Office, has partnered with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in running a seminar on the Republic Act (RA) 8491, also known as “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” recently at the Benigno Hall, Capitol Grounds here.

The seminar, which is in harmony with the National Heritage Month celebration, was attended by employees of the local government unit, regional government offices, students and teachers of public and private schools and colleges in the city, current and incoming Fernandino barangay captains, employees of malls and other establishments, and members of Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Girl Scouts of the Philippines Pampanga chapter.

The NHCP, led by Teodoro Atienza, discussed details of RA 8491 like design of the national flag, hoisting and display of the national flag, conduct of flag raising ceremony, half-mast, casket, pledge of the flag, flag days, specifications of the national flag, and prohibited acts.

Atienza also discussed the national anthem, national motto, national coat-of-arms, the great seal, and official seals and other heraldic items and devices, which are also enlisted in the said act.

Mayor Edwin Santiago expressed gladness that while the city highlights the essence of culture through the Pyestang Fernandino 2018, NHCP is reaching out to Fernandinos about the importance of the national flag and national anthem which also speaks about the Philippine culture and tradition.

“In the city, one of our aims is to teach every Fernandino in the government, academe, business, or any other sector respect the Philippine national flag and anthem because it is also a way of paying respect to what have transpired back in the history through our ancestors and heroes,” he said. (PR)