Where Was the Filipino Flag First Unfurled?

By Augusto de Viana, Chief History Researcher, National Historical Institute

May 28 is National Flag Day, honoring the glorious banner that inspired our heroes and heroines in the Great Revolution against colonial Spain and during the seven-year Filipino-American War. The tricolors were first unfurled on May 28, 1898, in Cavite Viejo and formally raised at the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite.

One of the historical errors being perpetuated in history textbooks and commemorative rites is the place where the Philippine flag was first displayed. One signboard in Cavite claims that the national standard was first raised in Alapan, Imus, Cavite, on May 28, 1898.

The source of this claim is Proclamation No. 374, issued by then-President Diosdado Macapagal on March 6, 1965. One of its “whereases” states: ”Our flags was (sic) first raised and received its baptism and victory in the Battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite on May 28, 1898.” Alapan is a barrio in Imus.

Read more here at Manila Times....

A security guard of the Aguinaldo museum in Baguio City checks the original Philippine flag brought to the country from Hong Kong by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on May 19, 1898 before it was unfurled for the first time in Kawit, Cavite during the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. The original flag is still being kept at the museum. At left is the wheelchair of Aguinaldo.