Public schools will still recite the Panatang Makabayan during flag-raising ceremonies.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Usec. Franz Imperial clarified on Monday, June 10, that Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge will not replace the Panatang Makabayan in flag-raising ceremonies.
"Wala akong naririnig na directive to remove (Panatang Makabayan). Ang directive lang is to add itong dalawa," Imperial said during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
(I did not hear any directive to remove the Panatang Makabayan. The only directive is to add these two)
Memorandum Circular No. 52 directs all government agencies, and instrumentalities, including government owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges, to integrate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge during the weekly flag ceremonies.
Imperial stressed that the recitation of the hymn and pldedge will help the public embody the principles of Bagong Pilipinas, a campaign by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Itong Bagong Pilipinas ay transformative, kailangan talaga ang cooperation ng bawat Filipino," Imperial explained.
(Bagong Pilipinas is transformative, needs the cooperation of every Filipino)
"Importante na isapuso itong pledge and hymn ng bawat Pilipino. This is the only way that it can happen. Kapag ni-recite natin, isinasapuso natin, saka natin siya masasabuhay," he added.
(It is important for every Filipino to take the pledge and the hymn to heart. This is the only way that it can happen. When we recite it, take it to heart, then we can embody it)
Under Republic Act (RA) No. 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, all government offices and education institutions must hold a flag-raising ceremony every Monday, and a flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.
