GIANT RP FLAG SEWN, UNFURLED AT MALACANANG
Manila, May 28, 1998 -A 35-foot Philippine flag was unfurled at Malacanang Tuesday by a group of women led by First Lady Amelita M. Ramos to commemorate the making of the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong 100 years ago.
In a re-enactment of the historic event, some prominent women joined members of the Bayanihan Dance Company in doing some sewing motions to produce a Philippine flag.
The event was held to highlight an important chapter in the country's history when then Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, sensing the imminent victory of Katipuneros in their struggle against the colonial powers of Spain, asked three women to produce the Philippine flag.
They were Marcela Agoncillo, her seven-year-old daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Rizal Herbosa-Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, who were in Hong Kong which was under British rule at the time.
The Philippine flag was later unfurled for the first time on May 28, 1898 when Filipino freedom fighters led by Aguinaldo won a battle against the Spaniards in Alapan, Imus. The Philippine flag was first displayed to the public when Aguinaldo finally declared independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ramos said Filipino women have shown the kind of quiet patriotism that inspired many male heroes to pursue their struggle.
"Many of our unsung heroes have been women. Without a doubt, women have been integrally involved in shaping Philippine history," the First Lady said, adding that at times, their involvement was direct, as courageous combatants in armed conflict.
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