Country: Philippines                          
Title:    Prescribing Guidelines for Conducting the Flag Ceremony
Author:            Corazon Aquino, President of the Philippines,
        Lourdes R. Quisumbing, DECS, Secretary.  
Institution:       Malacanang
Citations:         Memorandum Circular No. 71.  
Descriptors:       School activities.  
Full text: 1.  Inclosed, for the information and guidance of all
  concerned, is Memorandum Circular No. 71, dated August 10, 1988 of
  the Office of the President entitled "Prescribing Guidelines for
  Conducting the Flag Ceremony".

  2.  Attention is especially called to Par. 2 of the guideline, as
  follows:

  "2.  During the flag ceremony, the assembly shall stand in
  formation facing the flag.  At command, those with hats will
  uncover.  The assembly shall sing the Philippine National Anthem,
  accompanied by a band, if available, and at the first note, the
  flag shall be raised briskly, while the flag is being raised, all
  persons present shall stand at attention and execute a salute by
  placing their right palms over their left chests.  Those in
  military, scouting and citizens military training uniforms shall
  give the salute prescribed by their regulations.  The salute shall
  be completed upon the last note of the anthem;"

  3.  It is desired that this Order be immediately disseminated to
  all DECS Offices and schools for compliance by all school
  officials, teachers, other personnel, pupil and students.

  WHEREAS, the flag is a symbol of the Republic of the Philippines,
  an emblem of national sovereignty, of national unity and cohesion;

  WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution, under Section 1, Article XVI,
  thereof, provides that the flag of the Philippines shall be red,
  white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and
  honored by the people and recognized by law; and

  WHEREAS, the observance of the proper conduct during the flag
  ceremony reflects our reverence for the Philippine flag.

  Accordingly, the following guidelines are hereby promulgated for
  conducting the flag ceremony in all government offices and
  institutions:

  1.  The observance of the flag ceremony shall be simple and
  dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the
  Philippine National Anthem;

  2.  During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in
  formation facing the flag.  At command, everyone in the premises
  shall come to attention.  Those with hats shall uncover.  The
  assembly shall sing the Philippine National Anthem, accompanied by
  a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shall be
  raised briskly.  While the flag is being raised, all persons
  present shall stand at attention and execute a salute by placing
  their right palms over their left chests.  Those in military,
  scouting and citizens military training uniforms shall give the
  salute prescribed by their regulations.  The salute shall be
  completed upon the last note of the anthem;

  3.  During the flag-retreat, the flag should be lowered slowly so
  that the flag will be down the mast at the sound of the last note
  of the anthem.  Those in the assembly shall observe the same
  department or shall execute the same salute as required of them in
  the flag raising ceremony.

  4.  The flag should be handled reverently in hoisting or lowering
  it and not allowed to touch the ground.