Hundreds of flags were displayed around the City of San Fernando marking the celebration of the National Flag Day on May 28, 2013. A program was held at the Mini Convention, Heroes Hall led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and graced by DILG-3 Regional Director Florida M. Dijan.
As guest of honor and speaker RD Dijan expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the officials of the City of San Fernando for constantly upholding the value of nationalism and patriotism in the city. “Truly, these should always be instilled in the minds and hearts of our children and our children’s children”, she said.
In her message the director also shared excerpts from the book of Atty. Alex Lacson entitled “12 Little Things We Can Do For Our Country”. Some of these things which can be considered as small acts of patriotism are following traffic rules, speaking positively about the country, paying of taxes and respect to traffic enforcers, policemen and other public servants.
“Sa atin pong simpleng pamamaraan maaari nating ipakita ang ating pagmamahal sa ating bansa. Ang okasyong ito ay nagpapaalala na mahalagang gunitain ang ating kasaysayan at pahalagahan ang mga pangyayari at ang mga tao na may malaking kontribusyon sa ating kasalukuyang estado”, she added.
Towards the end of her message, RD Dijan addressed all public servants when she said “Higit sa lahat, tayo po na nasa pamahalaan ang siyang unang dapat kakitaan ng pagmamahal sa bansa upang maging mabuting halimbawa sa iba.”
Meanwhile, the City Tourism and Investments Promotions Office encouraged Fernandinos to display the Philippine Flag in front of all offices, agencies and instruments of government, business establishments, schools and their houses from May 28 (National Flag Day) until June 12 (Philippine Independence Day) to promote nationalism amongst constituents as mandated by Republic Act 8491.
“Ang watawat ay sagisag ng ating bansa at ang pagmamahal sa watawat ay pagmamahal sa ating bansa kaya pinahahalagahan natin ang Araw ng Pambansang Watawat. Ang ganitong selebrasyon ay isang paraan upang maipasok natin sa puso at diwa ng bawat isa ang kahalagahan ng ating lahi”, said Mayor Rodriguez.
Present during the event are the city’s local officials, functionaries, employees, private sector representatives and other guests.