Evolution of Philippine Flag

Starting May 28 until June 12, the Republic of the Philippines observes National Flag Days in accordance with Section 25 of RA 8491, also known as The Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines (1998).

On these days, all government institutions, offices, agencies, subsidiaries, instrumentalities, corporations and all other private business establishments are required to place the Philippine Flag within their premises. Both private and public motorists should also post the Philippine Flag in their vehicles.

Since 1898, our National Flag has evolved as to which shades of hues should be used. To sum it up, the evolution of Philippine Flag are as follows:

Former President Emilio Aguinaldo raised this kind of flag on June 12, 1898 in Cavite. He used it for nine months until March 23, 1901. From October 14, 1943 to August 17, 1945, Japanese people also used these shades of flag.




This is a simplified version which was used sometime in 1919 up to 1981 and also during the EDSA Revoluion until 1998.





President Ferdinand Marcos used this Flag from 1981 up to 1986.





Because of various shades of colors were used in our National Flag, Section 28 of RA 8491 which was approved on February 12, 1998 mandated the specific shades of colors to be used in our National Flag. Cable No. 80001 defines the white color, Cable No. 80108 for red; for golden yellow, Cable No. 80068 and Cable No. 80173 for blue color.