DOST retires over 3,300 worn PH flags ahead of Independence Day

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has collected and retired more than 3,300 worn Philippine flags ahead of Independence Day, reminding the public to properly dispose of damaged national symbols in accordance with the law.

The DOST, through the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), recently led a ceremony for the retirement of old Philippine flags as part of preparations for the June 12 Independence Day observance.

Under Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, worn or damaged Philippine flags must be disposed of through solemn burning to prevent misuse or desecration.

DOST-PTRI said it has collected 3,333 worn Philippine flags for proper retirement and possible future textile recovery initiatives.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the observance underscores the importance of treating national symbols with dignity while ensuring proper waste management practices.

“Siyempre, nakasaad sa batas na dapat itong sunugin,” Solidum said, referring to the legal requirement on flag disposal.

("Of course, the law states that [a worn-out Philippine flag] must be burned.")

The agency said the retirement ceremony also served as a reminder for the public to surrender worn flags instead of discarding them improperly.

DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr. said the institute accepts worn Philippine flags throughout the year through its office and provincial science and technology offices nationwide.

“Nakalagay kasi mismo sa titik ng ating batas na talagang ang pagsusunog po ang pamamaraan ng pagre-retiro ng watawat,” Leaño said.

("The letter of the law itself clearly states that burning is the method for retiring the flag.")

The institute said worn flags collected by the agency undergo proper retirement procedures in compliance with the Flag and Heraldic Code.

During the ceremony, DOST officials also reiterated a proposal to revisit the law to eventually allow environment-friendly alternatives, such as recycling and repurposing, while preserving respect for the Philippine flag.

For now, however, the agency emphasized that solemn burning remains the only legal mode of retiring damaged or worn Philippine flags under existing law.—MCG, GMA News