The Palawan Provincial Board (PB) wants all public places terminals, travel agencies and tourist destinations to display the Philippine flag as a symbol of patriotism.
In a proposed ordinance, board member Cherry Pie Acosta said the measure aims to foster patriotism outside government offices.
Acosta said to date, only schools and government offices display the national flag, which should not be the case.
She said private establishments and places frequented by the public should also display the national patriotism symbol.
“Gusto natin na ma-instill sa mind and heart ng ating kababayan na hindi lang magagandang lugar ang mayroon tayo sa lalawigan kundi pati na rin ang ating pagmamahal sa bansa. Dumarami kasi ang turista pero minsan hindi nila alam kung anong itsura ng watawat natin,” Acosta said Thursday at the regular session of the PB.
Under her proposed ordinance, the Philippine flag should also be displayed in all public plazas, transportation hubs, hotels, travel agencies and other tourist destinations in Palawan.
She also said such public display of the flag will “develop a deeper appreciation of the Philippines history and heritage”.
Acosta added that the proposal is based on Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
“Dapat proud tayo at may respeto tayo sa ating bandila dahil nasa batas ‘yan. Pagmamahal lang sa sariling bayan at pagiging proud bilang isang Filipino ang gusto natin dito. Siguro nga kung maglalakad tayo d’yan at tatanungin ang meaning ng bawat symbols ay hindi natin alam. Kasama na ‘yan sa gusto nating ipaalala sa lahat,” Acosta pointed out.
