Student who stopped in tracks to honor PH national anthem earns praise online

A photo of a young student stopping in his tracks and placing his right hand over his chest while the Philippine national anthem played has earned praise from netizens for his display of patriotism.

In Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, the viral image was taken by Alvin Anthony Claveria, an employee of the National Museum, during the institution's flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

According to him, he noticed the student standing at full attention while the national anthem was being played.

“During that morning, napansin ko 'yung estudyante. Sabi ko, nakakatuwa naman itong batang ito na full attention siya,” Alvin said.

As the ceremony was about to end, Alvin quickly took out his phone and captured the moment.

“Biglang in-open ko and then snap kasi patapos na siya talaga,” he said.

Alvin said he does not know the identity of the student but is now trying to find him to personally commend his act of nationalism and give him a small token of appreciation.

“Tina-try namin siyang hanapin. We're trying to give a small token from our cooperative. Ako personally na-inspire, pero hindi ko ine-expect na mag-viral siya,” he said.

He also encouraged Filipinos to continue taking pride in the country despite ongoing challenges.

“Let us continue to be proud being a Filipino in spite of everything that's happening in our country,” he added.

According to the report, the Philippines is the first Southeast Asian country to have its own national anthem. The Philippine national anthem was first played on June 12, 1898, during the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit. Composed by Julian Felipe, the piece was originally an instrumental march titled “Marcha Nacional Filipina” and had no lyrics at the time.

In 1899, José Palma wrote the Spanish poem “Filipinas,” which was later set to Felipe's composition and became the first official lyrics of the country's national anthem.

In 1956, the Philippine national anthem was translated into Filipino, resulting in the version that continues to be used today.

According to Kuya Kim, the proper use and observance of the national anthem, along with other national symbols, are governed by Republic Act No. 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Atty. Rizzle May Ostia-Alburo said the student's actions in the viral photo were in accordance with the law, noting that his gesture demonstrated the proper respect expected during the playing of the national anthem.

“Ayon sa Republic Act 8491 o ito 'yung Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, kapag pinagtugtog na 'yung national anthem, kinakailangan na kantahin natin ito with fervor o 'yung may sigasig,” said Ostia-Alburo.

“Kinakailangan na tayo tumayo, tingnan natin 'yung Philippine flag o kung wala ito, tumingin tayo doon sa banda o conductor at ang isa sa mga pinakaimportante, ilagay natin ang ating kanang kamay sa ating kaliwang dibdib. Kaya tama 'yung ginawa nung estudyante doon sa nakita natin na picture,” she added.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News