Philippine National Flag and Anthem Quiz

Creation of the National Flag

• The Filipino revolutionaries, with Emilio Aguinaldo in exile in Hong Kong, decided to create a national flag to symbolize the establishment of a new republic and the unity of Filipinos in their fight for independence.
• Doña Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal's niece Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, created the flag in five days.
• The flag's design was decided by Aguinaldo and his followers.

Symbolism of the National Flag

• The eight rays of the sun on the flag represent the eight provinces that rose up against Spain.
• The three stars represent the three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
• The triangle symbolizes equality, while the colors red, white, and blue represent courage, purity, and peace, respectively.

Establishing a New Government

• Mariano Ponce was instructed to prepare a constitution for the new republic.
• Aguinaldo sent word to Ponce about his intentions of establishing a strong republic.
• Mariano Ponce was appointed as representative of the revolutionary government to Japan to seek support in the form of arms and ammunition.

Aguinaldo's Return to the Philippines

• Aguinaldo decided to return to the Philippines to spearhead the revolution against Spain with the help of US Consul Rounseville Wildman.
• On May 19, 1898, Aguinaldo arrived in the Philippines onboard the ship McCulloch.

Establishment of a Dictatorial Government

• On May 24, 1898, Aguinaldo established a dictatorial government in the Philippines following Wildman's advice.
• Aguinaldo proclaimed himself as president of an interim dictatorial government, intending to run the government by proclaiming orders to be followed.
• This decision was made due to the country's crisis, including financial, food, infrastructure, and leadership problems.