UMVA has learned that the Department of Science and Technology is pushing to rewrite the law that forces the burning of worn‑out Philippine flags, seeking a greener, dignified way to retire the nation’s emblem.
Under the current Flag and Heraldic Code, any flag that has faded or torn must be “solemnly burned” and its ashes buried, a ritual meant to prevent misuse but one that belches toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Scientists revealed that most flags are woven from nylon, a petroleum‑derived fiber that, when incinerated, spews carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas nearly three hundred times more potent than CO₂.
Just a single 3 × 5‑foot nylon flag, weighing about 300 grams, can unleash roughly 0.72 kilograms of CO₂, the equivalent of a car chugging along for three to four kilometres.
After burial, the residual synthetic fibers break down into microplastics that linger in soil for decades, threatening ecosystems and contradicting the nation’s Clean Air and Solid Waste Management Acts.
Secretaries at the agency emphasized that honoring the flag should not come at the planet’s expense, calling for Republic Act 8491 to be amended so the fabric can be repurposed rather than incinerated.
“I hope the flag will not be put to waste by burning it, as its threads can still be used,” the department’s chief explained during a ceremonial disposal, urging a shift toward a circular economy.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Philippine Textile Research Institute, in partnership with the department, plans to amend Section 14 of the law to create a certified recycling process overseen by the National Historical Commission.
The proposed system would transform reclaimed yarn into medal ribbons, ceremonial lanyards, official government textiles, and even new flags, preserving reverence while cutting emissions.
In addition, the amendment seeks to modernize the flag’s color specifications, replacing outdated American‑era codes with internationally recognized values compatible with sustainable dyeing technologies.
Centralizing flag‑quality testing under the institute would establish a single, auditable certification framework for all publicly funded flags, ensuring consistency and accountability.
With these changes, the retirement of the Philippine flag could become a powerful statement of patriotism and environmental stewardship, marrying tradition with responsibility for the future.
