DENR Region XI

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) successfully celebrated National Flag Day today with a simultaneous flag raising ceremony in all its Offices throughout the Region.

In Davao City, DENR-XI’s Regional Office National Flag Day Activities started with TV guesting at GMA-7. The DENR-XI chorale sang the National Anthem on air as an opening number of the morning show “ Una Ka Bay”. Regional Technical Director Felix S. Alicer also discussed there the rationale behind the Celebration.

During the interview, Alicer pointed out that DENR Secretary Jose Lito L. Atienza was appointed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the National Flag Day Coordinator, hence, DENR spearheads the celebration nationwide.

After the TV guesting, a Flag Raising ceremony and short program followed at the DENR- XI compound, Lanang, Davao City. This was participated in by representatives coming from 17 other government agencies, the media and some students.

DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Ricardo L. Calderon explained that the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, also known as Republic Act 8491, states that every year, from May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day), all private and public officer are enjoined to display the Philippine flag visibly in their premises. This is to instill respect and reverence to the country’s symbol of national sovereignty and solidarity. The Philippine Flag is the embodiment of all our country’s ideals, culture and tradition.

Calderon informed the participants that the DENR-XI is distributing some IEC materials in line with the National Flag Day celebration and the Philippine Independence Day which will be celebrated on June 12. These materials include flaglets, posters and tarpaulins for display in various offices, businesses/establishments and schools.

The following government agencies and offices were represented during the Flag Raising Ceremony: Department of Interior and Local Government, Cooperatives Development Authority, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Telecommunications Office, University of Southeastern Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Office of Civil Defense, Davao City Water District, Department of Social Welfare and Development, City Tourism Office, DXRP, GMA-TV7 and ABS-CBN. (Bing Sison).