Uncertainties remain regarding the implementation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to incorporate the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn and pledge into the weekly flag raising ceremonies at schools.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Lipa City said they are awaiting official communication on the matter. 

"Once na tayo ay tumanggap ng official na communication directing all private and public schools to implement that particular hymn, so 'yun ay talaga ii-implement sa lahat ng eskuwelahan," Dr. Felizardo Bolaños, Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) V, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd-Lipa City, said.

DepEd Lipa City said teachers need to be oriented on the new requirements, and that this change should not be implemented hastily.

"Actually, kung iyan ay darating, hindi naman 'yan mahirap sa ating mga personnel at sa ating mga estudyante dahil kasi ang dami nga nilang sinasaulo, ‘yun pa bang hymn na 'yun," Bolaños said.

RECONSIDER

Meanwhile, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) believes that singing Lupang Hinirang, reciting the Panatang Makabayan, and the flag ceremony oath are sufficient components for the flag raising ceremony. 

They appeal to Malacañang to reconsider the addition of the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn and pledge.

"Hindi naman magde-defy, if ever na ito ay matutuloy, sapagkat may obligasyon po kami na sumunod sa panuntunan kung saka-sakali bilang mga bahagi ng Department of Education," Benjo Basas, National Chairperson of the Teachers' Dignity Coalition, said.

DepEd Lipa City said they will take any action until they receive an official directive from the DepEd central office.