COURSE CODE & DESCRIPTIVE NSTP 1C (ROTC)

TITLE:
SEMESTER AND SCHOOL YEAR: 2nd Semester AY 2025-2026
COURSE FACILITATOR: Layman F. Fas-ayen
CLASS SCHEDULE: 2:00-5:00 Monday

MODULE 1
Topic: Republic Act No. 8491, AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG,
ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE
PHILIPPINES
Objectives:
At the end of this module the students must be able to:
1. Understand the History of the National Flag of the Philippines.
2. Appreciate the symbols of the Philippine Flag.
3. Explain the Flag and the heraldic code of the Philippines.
4. Apply the knowledge on the conduct of flag raising.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
In order to achieve the outcomes of this course, leamers will go through this learning plan:
1. Define and explain the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines:
2. Identify different virtues toward the National Flag, National Anthem, and National Motto:
and
3. Write an intensive reflection paper/objective test.
For our week lesson, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 8491
will focus on the National Flag. The National Anthem, and the National Motto. The Constitution
declares that it is a policy of the state to inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism.
One simple way to inculcate nationalism and patriotism not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all
ages is to emphasize the importance of saluting the national flag and the singing of the
Philippine National Anthem.
Let us now start our module and let us have some reflection of the Republic Act No. 849 in real
life.

Republic Act No. 8491 (February 12, 1998)

AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-
OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. Short title. – This Act shall be known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines."
Section 2. Declaration of policy. – Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag,
the anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and
which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. The heraldic items and
devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of
our people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and
anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and
devices.
Section 3. Definition of terms. – Whenever used in this Act, the term:
a) "Military" shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the
Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of
Fire Protection;
b) "Festoon" shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two points as a decoration;
c) "Flag" shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated otherwise
d) "Fly" shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length;
e) "Symbol" shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man's achievement and heroism
(for orders and decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for coat-of-arms, logo
and insignia);
f) "Half-Mast" shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom
of the staff;
g) "Hoist" shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass to which the halyard is
attached;
h) "Inclement Weather" shall mean that a typhoon signal is raised in the locality;
i) "National Anthem" shall mean the Philippine National Anthem;
j) "Official Residences" shall mean Malacañang, and other government-owned structures
where the President resides, and other structures occupied by the Philippine Consulate or
Embassies abroad;
k) "Places of Frivolity" shall mean places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous
merriment or recreation; and
l) "Institute" shall mean the National Historical Institute.

THE NATIONAL FLAG

A. Design of the National Flag
Section. 4. The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-
yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.
B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag
Section 5. The flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas,
and institutions of learning every day throughout the year.
Section 6. The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of
the following: at Malacañang Palace; the Congress of the Philippines building; Supreme Court
building; the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain
Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani;
Musoleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion; all International Ports of Entry and all other places
as may be designated by the Institute.
TAKENOTE: The flag shall be properly illuminated at night.
Section 7. The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in the
open on flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor
Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August
(National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and on
such other days as may be declared by the President and/or local chief executives.
The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings or offices or raised in the
open on flag-staffs in front of private buildings: Provided, That they observe flag-raising
ceremonies in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the Office of the
President.
Section 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local government offices,
government-owned corporations and local government units are enjoined to observe flag day
with appropriate ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private
sector are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.
Section 9. The flag shall be flown on merchant ships of Philippine registry of more than one
thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels.
On board naval vessels, the flag shall be displayed on the flag-staff at the stern when the ship is
at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea.
Section 10. The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and
the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left
of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of
war.
TAKENOTE: The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.
Section 11. If planted on the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of
such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the
vicinity.
If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at
an angle upward.
If on a stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or
the left of the office upon entering.
Section 12. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national
flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size. The
Philippine flag shall be hoisted first and lowered last.
If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown in the same lineyard as the Philippine flag
but below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag.
Section 13. When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on the right of the
other flag. If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be in the middle of the line.
When carried in a parade with flags which are not national flags, the Philippine flag shall be in
front of the center of the line.
Section 14. A flag worn out through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly
burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to
show signs of wear and tear.
Section 15. The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on the mast at
the start of official office hours, shall remain flying throughout the day.
Section 16. The flag may be displayed:
a) Inside or outside a building or on stationary flagpoles. If the flag is displayed indoors on a
flagpole, it shall be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room;
b) From the top of a flagpole, which shall be at a prominent place or a commanding position in
relation to the surrounding buildings;
c) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, balcony or facade of a building;
d) In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building to pole erected away from the
building;
e) Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; and
f) Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue field pointing east, if the road is
heading south or north, or pointing north if the road is heading east or west.
TAKENOTE: The flag shall not be raised when the weather is inclement. If already raised, the
flag shall not be lowered.
Section 17. The flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects.
After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of the ceremony.
C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony
Section 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-
raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday
afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing
of the Philippine National Anthem.
Section 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute shall issue
rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.
Section 20. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple
and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics
and march tempo.
Section 21. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the
flag. At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to
attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over their
chests, those with hats shall uncover; while those in military, scouting, security guard, and
citizens military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations, which
salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The assembly shall sing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by a band, if available,
and at the first note, the flag shall be raised briskly.
The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or in parade.
Section 22. During the flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the
flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the anthem. Those in the assembly
shall observe the same deportment or shall observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising
ceremony.
D. Half-Mast
Section 23. The flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all the buildings and
places where it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, on the day of official announcement of
the death of any of the following officials:
a) The President or a former President, for ten (10) days;
b) The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, for seven (7) days; and
c) Other persons to be determined by the Institute, for any period less than seven (7) days.
The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was
holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the
Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other
persons as may be determined by the Institute.
The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to
the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
E. Casket
Section 24. The flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military,
veterans of previous wars, national artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished
service to the nation, as may be determined by the local government unit concerned. In such
cases, the flag shall be placed such that the white triangle shall be at the head and the blue
portion shall cover the right side of the caskets. The flag shall not be lowered to the grave or
allowed to touch the ground, but shall be folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the
deceased.
F. Pledge to the Flag
Section 25. The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag:
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.
Such pledge shall be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder
high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge must
nonetheless show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.
G. Flag Days
Section 26. The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days, during
which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments,
institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.
H. Specifications of the National Flag
Section 27. The flag shall have the following proportions. The width of the flag, 1; the length of
the flag, 2; and the sides of the white triangle, 1.
Section 28. The technical specifications shall be as follows:
The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No. 80001; the red color,
Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068.
Section 29. In order to establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to
guarantee its durability by the use of quality materials, the following standards and procedures
shall be observed:
a) All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine National Flag must be based on strict
compliance with the design, color, craftsmanship and material requirements of the Government;
b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for purchase for government
use shall be evaluated as to design, color and craftsmanship specifications by the Institute,
through its Heraldry and Display Sec., which shall stamp its approval or disapproval on the
canvass reinforcement of the flag sample submitted. The samples shall be sent to the Institute
by the requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and
c) The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the Philippine Textile Research
Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality
of material of all flag samples and certify whether the fabric for the blue, white, red and golden
yellow colors, including the canvas submitted, conforms to government requirement as to quality
of the material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDI/PTRI by the manufacturer. The
laboratory test results shall be submitted by the said office to the Institute.
Section 30. All deliveries of the flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the
requisitioning agency's internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the flag
stamped approved by the Institute as reference.
Section 31. In carrying out its responsibilities under Sec. 4 hereof, the Institute, COA, the
ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to be approved by the Office of the President.
Section 32. All government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the requirements
under this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and delivery of the national flag are
strictly complied with.
Section 33. All departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the government,
government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, including barangays,
shall include in their annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national flag.
I. Prohibited Acts
Section 34. It shall be prohibited:
a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or omission casting
dishonor or ridicule upon the flag or over its surface;
b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
c) To use the flag:
1) As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
3) As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
4) As a staff or whip;
5) For unveiling monuments or statues; and
6) As trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.
d) To display the flag:
1) Under any painting or picture;
2) Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
3) Below any platform; or
4) In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or
where frivolity prevails.
e) To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
f) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any
nature on the flag;
g) To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and
other articles of merchandise;
h) To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic
establishments, and in offices of international organizations;
i) To use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and
j) To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Section 35. The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.
Section 36. The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or without
the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem:
Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.
Section 37. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in
accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
Section 38. When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by
singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The
singing must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is
one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note,
all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in
military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute
prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment
purposes except on the following occasions:
a) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
b) Local competitions;
c) During the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations;
d) Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances;
and
e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
Section 39. All officials and employees of the national and local government, and any agency or
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned
entities or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby
directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to
observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.
THE NATIONAL MOTTO
Section 40. The National Motto shall be "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT
MAKABANSA."

SUMMARY
The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem embodies and
expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment, and determination,
nationalism and patriotism, sentiment, and spirit of the people.
Republic Act No. 8491 otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines states
that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other
national symbols 'which embody the national ideals and which express the principles of
sovereignty and national solidarity.
In the column Opinion of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 12, 2008. Jet Hemandez, wrote:
"I've noticed that some moviegoers at SM cinemas don't show respect to the Philippine National
Anthem while it's being played. In one instance, I called the attention of a moviegoer who
remained sitting and eating with his wife and kid as the anthem was "video-played. I' He just
snapped back. "How can / stand, I'm eating."
"Kung ayaw mong magbigay-pugay sa pambansang awit, get out of the Philippines. This
country is not for you."
 WORKSHEET No. 1

Name: Date Submitted:

Instructor: Score:
Your Task: After answering all the worksheets for the week, detach it from the workbook, put it
inside an envelope together with the Honesty Contract, and drop it off at the office.
PART 1.
Instructions:
List down 5 disrespectful ways some Filipinos does to our Philippine flag (2 to 3 sentences).
Give solutions/recommendations.

1.

2.

3.
 4.

PART 2
Instruction: Watch: REPUBLIC ACT 8491 FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES: IMPORTANCE OF FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
([Link] Can you give one scenario that you have
observed in your community? Are they violating the REPUBLIC ACT NO. 84912 Narrate and
justify your answer. Write your reflection paper on a 2-page sheet of paper.
Rules:
1. Make/Create your own title. (The highlighted topic above is not a title)
2. Three Paragraphs. (Or more, lower than three paragraphs is equivalent to 75% below)
 Introduction (Brief statement of the problem)
 Body (Detailed discussion of the problem/topic)
 Conclusion (Brief statement of the conclusion and recommendation)
3. Make your writing legible.

Title
HONESTY CONTACT
I, am attesting that I observed utmost honesty
and integrity in answering the questions and accomplishing the indicated task by myself
to the best of my knowledge and capability.

(Signature over printed name)

(Date signed)