Ang Kalatas Volume V June 2015 Independence Day Special Edition | страница 9

The ‘Flag Day’ and an
almost forgotten battle
June is often the time to display the Philippine
flag. After all the really big day in history was June
12, the day when Philippine Independence was
declared in Kawit, Cavite.
But there was another important day in history
– May 28, 1898 – which unknown to most Filipinos
is the Philippine National Flag Day.
The Philippine government is undertaking
efforts to honour the Flag Day. The Philippine
Flag Day has been moved to different dates
throughout different periods. For some time it
was observed in October to mark the end of the
Philippine-American War. It was in 1965, during
the term of President Diosdado Macapagal that
the Flag Day was officially observed on May 28. In
1994, then President Ramos proclaimed the day to
practically a two-week commemoration – May 28
to June 12. The importance of both dates after all
cannot be separated from each other.
So what happened on the 28th of May, 1898?
According to the Official Gazette, the flag was
first unfurled at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite
on May 28 when the Philippine Revolutionary
Army defeated Spanish forces. It was considered a
major victory for General Emilio Aguinaldo and the
victory led to the eventual takeover of the whole
of Cavite by the revolutionary forces.

e flag
ers

noys, migration, and freedom from want
Want has led millions of Pinoys to be exiled to all
corners of the earth to follow jobs, chase dreams, fulfil
destinies, fill wallets and stomachs, provide for family
needs, achieve professional ambitions, increase social
standing, attain self-actualisation, and most of all, satisfy
his freedom from want.
Successive waves of diaspora have taken him to
the diamond fields and pearl farms of Australia, or to
settle in its rich cities down south. To the construction
meccas in the Middle East and to the insatiable farms of
America. To places requiring workers for hospitals and
the hospitality industry in Europe. To regions where they
operate under frigid conditions in Scandinavia, or as
domestic workers in the warmth of strangers’ homes in
Asia and the Mediterranean.
They toil in ships as seafarers or seamen sailing the
seven seas, entertain patrons with their song and dance
routines in bars in Japan and Macau, or assemble parts in
factories in countries with a big manufacturing sector.
They work abroad as volunteers in response to
a need to help improve the human condition. They
minister to the sick and dying, and fight wars.

ANG KALATAS

Everywhere, they labour to stay on the good side of
plenty and achievement. They work hard to avoid the
trap of poverty and emotional depravity, and escape the
vicious cycle of their dire consequences.
To these overseas workers, the scent of foreign
currency seems stronger than the smell of the peso. The
lure of money, recognition, and enhanced social status
has a great pull. It can even supplant homesickness.
Their philosophy seems to be “Better a migrant in a
foreign land than a vagrant in one’s country.” All because
they want to conquer want.
But there are pitfalls. Not every opportunity to earn
is wrapped in gold. Not every chance to make money
results in a better life. The road to fortune and fame is
fraught with danger. Sometimes, it is covered with evil
intentions. Sometimes, it could lead to death, as shown
by the heartrending cases of our citizens executed in
countries that practice capital punishment.
Incidentally, as of this writing, the Philippine
Department of Foreign Affairs has reported that 77
Filipinos are condemned to die in foreign jurisdictions for
various reasons.

They are all victims.
The horror that comes with their bad decisions and
naivety is indeed a very high price to pay. All because
the victims went abroad to try to earn money to address
some wants in their lives. Instead, they have courted
death, wittingly or unwittingly.
If only resources were infinite and everyone had an
equal and easy access to them, then maybe peoples of
the world can truly enjoy their freedom from want.
If it is any consolation, I would like to close this article
by quoting Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall
not want.”
-o-o-o-o
On that note, we remember those who are enjoying
rich harvest in their valley of plenty and good fortune
through dint of hard work.
In particular, happy 70th birthday to my eldest
sister Emily on June 30. The year 2015 is a banner
year for our family as we also celebrate the following
milestones: 18th (Niq, Noah, Nathan), 40th (Pier, Ruby,
Mark), 50th (Faye) and 60th (Danny) birthdays. Cheers,
everyone!

JUNE 2015

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