Old national flags are burned in Imus, Cavite

Old and dilapidated flags were set alight in a ceremony at the Shrine of the National Flags of the Philippines in Imus, Cavite on Tuesday, a day ahead of the Philippines' 121st Independence Day.

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines mandates that a flag "worn out through wear and tear" must not be thrown away, but instead be "solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration."

At this solemn occasion, the flags are presented to a woman clad in Filipiniana dress representing "Inang Bayan," and she in turn places them in a cauldron, in which they are burned.

The ashes are then collected and placed in an urn, which is buried.

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines have assisted in holding these ceremonies, and were present at the event in Imus on Tuesday.

The period from May 28 to June 12 are National Flag Days, during which Filipinos are encouraged to display the national flag ahead of Independence Day on June 12. 

— BM, GMA News