Letter to the Editor: Cloth of pride

FOOLISH. Basic. Unnecessary. I admit, these words came through my mind after hearing the word “watawat” as a topic in our Araling Panlipunan class. I don’t see the point why this should be discussed. It seemed disconnected to our usual topics like Economics, Contemporary Issues, Inflation, Civic Engagement and Fiscal Policy.

When we were evaluated, I had low a score in our quiz. I did not know a lot of things about our flag. I forgot what the colors blue and red mean. I forgot what those three stars were for. I forgot the eight places that relate the eight rays of the sun. But did I really forget? Or I just didn't know it at all?

Not to be cliché and obligated to say, but there, I realized how meaningful and dedicated our flag is. The upper part means peace, truth, and justice; the lower one means patriotism and valor. Not just these, but also each star has a different meaning -- liberty, equality, and fraternity.

In addition to that, the sun symbolizes unity, freedom, democracy, and sovereignty with eight rays dedicated to eight provinces namely: Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija. It means that these provinces were declared under martial law by Spain when the Philippine Revolution began.

I was not entirely knowledgeable to this. It's time for us to stop being compulsive on improper singing of Lupang Hinirang. Not just this, but we also need to love our culture and stop romanticizing foreign products especially the whitening ones that says being morena/moreno as unattractive.

I remember one time, I saw a post on Facebook, a suggested concept of the next Miss Universe gown that shows an artwork of a really flag-inspired one, typical blue and red dividing the clothes. He or she could actually be sent to jail by disobeying the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines under Section 45.

One word I should say, respect. Respect not because someone has told you so, but respect because you know your worth as a Filipino who do not settle for inferiority. The “watawat” is not just a piece of cloth, but it is our nationality and representation of how we courageously stood strong just like how we attain independence.

It’s never too late to change. I know we are all in guilt and shame that we have been downing “watawat” so much and I think it should serve a lesson for us all to become better citizens in this country. (Mellicent Jade Loanzon, Xavier University Junior High School)

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