FLAG DISPOSAL CEREMONY: PROGRAM SCRIPT

BSP-Antipolo City Council

Scouter Dennis DC. Marquez, WBH w/CML

 

A.PROGRAM:

1	Introduction*	Master of Ceremony
2	Entrance of Colors	Service Team (Scouts)
	Invocation/Prayer*	Scout
	Singing of Philippine National Anthem	Scout
	Pledge of Allegiance to the Phil. Flag*	Scout
3	Welcome Remarks	Institutional Head/Guest
4	History and Symbolism of the Philippine Flag	Guest/Scouter
5	Inspection of the Flag*	Scouter
	Rededication to the Scout Oath and Law*	Scout/Scouter
6	Burning of the Flag* Burying (if there is an available vacant lot)	Leader, Service Team (Scouts)
7	Closing Remarks	Guest/Scouter
8	Scout Benediction*	Scout
	Master of Ceremony	Scout/Scouter

 

*Important parts. Other parts can be omitted. If there is no Entrance of Colors, and there is no Philippine Flag to offer the Pledge of Allegiance, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag could be moved to the Inspection of the Flag (Part 5), before the Rededication to the Scout Oath and Law.

 

B.Materials:

A safe platform/fire pit for the burning of flag/s.

Sound system.

C.Venue:

           An open space to avoid suffocation.

 

D.Script 

 

1. Introduction

Emcee: Good [morning/afternoon/evening] to everyone specially to our dear Scouts who will be the next Servant-Leaders of our nation.

We gather here today to retire the Philippine flag with the dignity and respect it deserves. Our flag has served its purpose, and, like all symbols of our nation, it must be treated with the utmost honor as we lay it to rest.

The "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines," which is also known as The Republic Act No. 8491 is the Philippine law emphasizes the importance of treating the flag with the utmost respect, even at the end of its serviceable life. Its Section 14 states that worn-out or tattered Philippine flags shall not be thrown away but shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration.

To formally start our program, we will begin with the entrance of colors. The Invocation/Opening Prayer to be led by ______, to be followed by the singing of the National Anthem to be conducted/lead by_______ and the communal recitation of the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas to be led by __________. Let us all stand.

 

2. Entrance of Colors

Scout: Prayer

Scout: Philippine National Anthem
Scout:  Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Flag Bearers: Philippine Flag, Institutional Flag / BSP Flag

Color Leader

(Some Color Commands: Handa Na; Patakda Kad; Pasulong Kad; Liko sa Kaliwa, Liko sa Kanan Kad / Sumalunan Na; Pulutong To; Tanghal Na;  Pugay Kamay Na; Baba Na)

 

2.1. Invocation

Scout: Let us bow our heads in prayer as we give thanks for the symbol of our nation and ask for God’s guidance as we respectfully retire this flag…

                (Prayer)

 

2.2. Singing of the Philippine National Anthem

Scout: Sabay-sabay nating awitin ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas. Scout Salute! (Kung siya ay magko-conduct ay haharap siya sa mga tao).

(A live band or a recorded version could also be utilized)

 

2.3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag

Scout:  Please remain for the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas. Scout Sign!

"Ako ay Pilipino, buong katapatang nanunumpa sa watawat ng Pilipinas, At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag, Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa."

 

3.Welcome Remarks

Emcee: To welcome us in this momentous occasion today, let us call on ___________ our beloved (Title, position).

 

4. History and Symbolism of the Philippine Flag

Emcee: Our national flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a symbol of our country's struggle for independence, our victories, and our dreams for the future. Today, we honor its service as we prepare to retire it respectfully.

To deepen our understanding of the history of our flag may I call on _____________ our beloved (Title, position).

Guest Speaker: The evolution of the Philippine flag during the Philippine Revolution is a fascinating reflection of the nation's journey toward independence. Our flag’s history intertwined with our country's struggle for independence and the aspirations of our people. Under the leadership of different Philippine Revolutionaries such as Andres Bonifacio, Mariano Llanera, Pío del Pilar, and Emilio Aguinaldo, our flag underwent several changes from KKK up to its present form. Significantly, each changes represents the evolving aspirations of the Filipino people.

As the revolution progressed, General Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the Philippine revolutionary forces against Spanish colonial rule,  recognized the need for a unified symbol for the Filipino people. While in exile in Hong Kong, he designed the first official Philippine flag in 1897. The design was intended to represent the Filipinos' desire for independence and their aspirations for a free and sovereign nation.

The flag was sewn in 1897 by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (the niece of José Rizal). The sewing took place in Hong Kong, where Aguinaldo was in exile.

4.2. Symbolism of the Philippine Flag

• Three Stars: The three stars on the flag represent the three main geographical divisions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• Sun: The sun symbolizes independence and represents the eight provinces that first revolted against Spanish rule: Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Laguna.
• Blue and Red Stripes: The blue stripe stands for peace, truth, and justice, while the red stripe symbolizes patriotism and valor.
• White Triangle: The white equilateral triangle represents liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are the ideals of the Philippine Revolution. It also symbolizes the Katipunan, the secret society that initiated the revolt against Spanish rule.

4.3. First Public Display

• Victorious Battle of Alapan: The Philippine flag was first publicly displayed on May 28, 1898, during the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, where Filipino forces won their first victory against the Spanish government. Presently, this day, May 28, is, also, declared as the Philippine Flag Day to commemorate the occasion.
• Proclamation of Independence: The flag was formally unfurled on June 12, 1898, during the proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite. This event marked the birth of the Philippine nation and the 1^st Philippine Republic.

To end my short talk on the History of our Flag, I want to emphasize that the National Flag that represents all of us, Filipinos, are fought for us by our beloved ancestors. They gave everything, including their own lives just to free us from the oppression of all who conquered us. Our ancestors died for us as they become witnesses to the lyrics of our National Anthem, “Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.” Since they died for us, as heirs to this freedom, it is our lawful duty to defend it and to fight for it.

Sa huli, nais kong bigyang diin na sana ay palagi nating pakatatandaan na wala nang iba na magmamahal at magtatanggol sa ating bansa kundi tayo din na mga makabagong Filipino. Wala ng ibang magmamalasakit sa bansang Pilipinas kundi tayo na tigapagmana ng ating lahi. At wala nang iba na magbibigay dangal sa ating bansa kundi tayong mga Pilipino dahil nasa ating dugo nananalaytay ang magandang kultura at tradisyon na ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani upang makamit ang ating kasarinlan.

 

5. Inspection of the Flag (To Be Burned)

Emcee: Thank you very much for giving us your in-depth understanding of the history of the Philippine Flag. Truly, the tattered Philippine flag, which is the symbol of our freedom, should be given respect up to its final stage for it represents all of us. I now understand that the longing for freedom, equality, and Filipino identity are the reasons why our heroes offered their lives for us so that our generation could be totally free from all forms of oppression.   

To commence with our Flag Disposal, may I call on to ________________ (Title, position); together with the Service Team.

Scouter: Before the flag is retired, it will be inspected one last time to acknowledge its service and the values it represents.

(The flag is unfolded by the Service Team and inspected by the Leader.)

Scouter: (Could be Omitted) Ang watawat na ito ay sira-sira na, luma na at kupas na. Ang kalumaan nito ay sumisimbolo sa katapatan sa pagse-serbisyo at pagpupunyagi para sa katarungan. Sumisimbolo rin ang sira-sirang watawat na ito para sa mga  bayani nating nasawi. Bilang mga tigapagmanang Filipino, nawa ang luma at kupas na watawat na ito ay magsilbing paalala sa atin na nasa ating mga kamay na nakasalalay ang pag-asa at dangal ng ating bayan.

Scouter: Ngayon, bilang pamamaalam sa sira-sira nating watawat na naging saksi sa kasaysayan at kabayanihan ng sambayanang Filipino, tinatawagan ko [si Scout _______________ para sa Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas at… (kung walang Entrance of Colors)] si Scout _________ upang sariwain natin ang ating Scout Oath and Law.

[Scout: Scout Sign.

Ako ay Pilipino…]

Scout: Itaas natin ang ating mga kamay ayon sa panunumpa ng Scout Oath and Law. Scout Sign!

On my honor…

A Scout is…

 

6. Burning of the Flag / Burying of the Flag

Scouter: Ngayon po, sa pagkakataong ito, ay itutupi na po ang sira-sirang watawat upang mailagak na ito sa sunugan.

As we retire this flag, let us remember the sacrifices of our ancestors, the pride of our nation, and our commitment to uphold the values that this flag represents.

(Pagkalagay ng tinuping watawat sa sunugan, maaaring nag-aapoy na ang sunugan or pwede rin na may magpasok ng sulo para umapoy ang sunugan, kakantahin ang “Pilipinas kong Mahal” habang sinusunog ang Watawat).

 (Magbigay pugay kamay kapag tuluyan ng nasunog ang watawat)
           (Note: Kung may available na bakanteng lupa na maaaring paglibingan ng abo ay maaaring maghanda ng hukay at  pantabon ng lupa. Ilagay ang pala sa malapit para sa paglilibing. Ang mga Scouts, habang sinasaksihan ito ay maaaring naka-tikas pahinga. After ng paglilibing ng abo ng watawat ay didiretso na sa pagpupugay sa watawat ng Pilipinas. Kung wala namang paglilibing, maaaring dumiretso na sa pagpupugay sa watawat ng Pilipinas. )

Scouter: Maghanda sa pagpupugay sa watawat ng Pilipinas. Pugay Kamay Na! / Scout Salute!

Scouter: Baba Na! / Ready Front!

(Sa pagkakataong ito, tahimik at nakapila na lalabas ang Service Crew)

 

7. Closing Remarks:

Emcee: Bago tayo tuluyang magtapos, nais kong tawagin si ______________ (Title, position) para sa kanyang Closing Remarks.

 

8. Scout Benediction

Emcee: Sa ating pagtatapos, tinatawagan ko si ________________ (Title, position) para sa Scout Benediction.

Scout: May the great Scout Master / of all good Scout / be with us / till we meet again.

(Mas Maganda kung gagamitin ang Filipino version)

Emcee:  Thank you for joining us in this solemn ceremony. May we continue to honor our flag by living out the values it represents in our daily lives. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

 

===

Notes:

Napansin ko sa Scouting na:

1.Palagi tayong nagsisimula sa prayer after ng introduction.

2.Non-military ang Scouting and ideally, silent drill ang preferred sa Entrance of Colors pero nakagawian sa mga programs na nadaluhan ko na naririnig ang pagbibigay ng command. Ang tahasang ipinagbabawal lamang ay ang paggamit ng rifle. Sa ating Council, ang paggamit ng sword ay nakalaan lamang para sa mga Rover Scouts. Upang mas magkaroon ng dignidad ang paghawak sa flag, pinapayagan ang paggamit ng flag-holder, beret na sombrero para sa Scouts, at gwantes sa mga kamay.

3.Sa paghawak at pag-parade ng mga Flag, tanging ang Philippine Flag lamang ang nakadiretso samantalang ang ibang mga flag (Institutional, Scouting) ay naka-semi-flag dip (about 45 degrees). Ito ay upang mabigyan ng nararapat na pag-galang ang Philippine Flag.

4.Pagtaas ng mga watawat, inuuna ang Watawat ng Pilipinas habang inaawit ang Lupang Hinirang, kasunod ang Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, Rededication to the Scout Oath and Law, and Mission and Vision. Kasunod nito ay ang Institutional Flag / WOSM, National, at Council Flag. Kung may mga hymn ay pwedeng kantahin habang itinataas isa-isa ang mga flag. Sa pagtataas ng mga flag, binabanggit ng Leader kung anong watawat ang itataas para sa kaalaman ng lahat.

3.Hindi nakaugalian sa Scouting na magsagawa ng Exit of Colors kung kaya tinapos ko na lamang ang programa sa Scout Benediction. Kung inaakala ng gagamit ng palatuntunan na ito na mahalaga ang Exit of Colors sa okasyon nila, malaya sila na i-consider ang pagsasagawa ng Exit of Colors.

4.Ang Script na ito ay guide lamang. Maaaring baguhin ito at isalin ito sa wikang Filipino kung kinakailangan. Ang paggamit ng mga salitang hiram na nauunawaan ng mga tagapakinig ay  mas lalong nagpapatibay ng kanilang pagkaunawa at pakikiisa sa programa na kanilang dinadaluhan.

 

Scouter Dennis Marquez
BSP-ACC, Field Scout Executive-Private Schools

August 18, 2024.