THE City Government of San Fernando over the weekend held the “Huling Pagpupugay sa Watawat ng Pilipinas,” where worn-out Philippine flags were properly disposed of in compliance with Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

During the afternoon ceremonies, the Philippine National Anthem was sung by city officials and employees before lowering the flag from the pole in front of city hall here. It was then paraded shortly by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines Pampanga.

Mayor Edwin Santiago, together with Mutya ning San Fernando 2017 Vanessa Yvonne Sicat depicting “Inang Bayan” and other officials then led the burning ceremony where patriotic songs were simultaneously played.

Finally, the ashes were transferred in a pot and were placed in a burial plot located at the city hall grounds.

Santiago said the worn-out flags must be properly and solemnly disposed of to avoid misuse or desecration as stated by the law.

“The Philippine flag is the most sacred symbol of our motherland. Therefore, it must be, at all times, treated with utmost respect whether it is displayed or for disposal,” he said.

The city mayor added the importance of making the public, especially the youth, aware of the do’s and don’ts of the Philippine flag which serves as a moral representation of patriotism.