Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged Filipinos May 28 to proudly and bravely wave the national flag amid what he described as “bullying or intimidation” from outside forces.
“In these times, when we face challenges and pressures from outside forces, let us not be daunted. The world may be vast and sometimes overwhelming, but our spirit as Filipinos is unbreakable,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said in a National Flag Day message.
“We may encounter bullying or intimidation from foreign nations, but let us stand tall and wave our flag with pride. Let it be known that the Filipino spirit is resilient and resolute,” Romualdez said.
He stressed that the flag is a symbol of sovereignty and unity.
“It is a reminder that we are a nation capable of greatness. Let us come together, shoulder to shoulder, and face any adversity with the same bravery our ancestors showed. By standing firm and united, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way,” he said in a press release from his office.
Romualdez asked Filipinos to reflect on what the national flag represents.
“Let us renew our commitment to our nation, to our values, and to each other. Let us teach our children the importance of love for country and the significance of our flag,” he said.
“Wave your flags high, with hearts full of pride. Let the colors of our flag inspire hope and strength for all. Together, let us build a future where our nation is respected and admired, not just for its beauty, but for the strength and unity of its people,” he said.
The Speaker said the celebration of National Flag Day reminds Filipinos “of the deep sense of pride and patriotism that our flag embodies.”
“More than just a symbol, the Philippine flag is a reflection of our history, our struggles, and our triumphs. As we stand beneath the red, white, blue, and yellow, let us remember the countless Filipinos who fought for our freedom and sovereignty.
“They sacrificed their lives so that we could enjoy the peace and liberty we have today. Their spirit lives on in each of us, and it is our duty to honor their legacy by upholding the values they stood for,” Romualdez added. ||
