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MANILA, June 1 (PNA) – When the Philippine revolution broke out on August 23,
1896, the nation rallied under a flag with three “Ks” at the center.
The
flag served as the official war standard of the “Kataastaasang
Kagalanggalangang Katipunan” (Most High and Most Sacred Society) or
KKK, for short.
There
were variations of the Katipunan war standard. The changes were due to
the common practice of the revolutionary generals who designed their
own emblem.
One
of the earlier versions of the Katipunan flag has the three “Ks”
arrange to form a triangle. This variation was also widely used during
the revolution.
Another
version showed only one “K” at the center. Again, though the flags had
different variations, the red background was retained indicating the
state of the Philippines then -- at war.
Days
before the revolution broke out, the women members of the Katipunan
made a flag that was to be used at the ‘City of Pugad Lawin’, which
took place on August 23, 1896.
A
white sun with an indefinite number of rays rose above the three “Ks”.
The sun symbolized liberty while the three “Ks” stood for the
Katipunan. This flag became the war standard of Andres Bonifacio.
The
establishment of a de facto Philippine government signaled another flag
facelift. Retaining the red emblem of the Katipunan, the three “Ks”
were dropped and in their place the ancient Filipino alphabet “K” was
placed at the center of the sun.
The
eight rays of the sun represented the first eight provinces that
revolted against Spain, namely, Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite and Batangas.
As
decreed by the Naic Conference on March 17, 1897, the flag used by the
de facto government was revised. Retaining the sun, the old Tagalog
letter “K” was replaced with two eyes, a nose and a mouth.
General
Mariano Llanera, a Filipino soldier with a reputation for exceptional
brabery, designed a flag that became to be known as “Bungo ni Llanera”
(Llanera’s Skull). His flag was recognizable.
It
was the only Filipino flag with a black background. Inspired by the
black hood worn by members of the First Degree (members of the
Katipunan), the flag had a skull, a crossbone and the letter “K” in
white.
General
Pio del Pilar designed a flag that was used by the Katipunan members of
the “Balangay Magtagumpay.” Red symbolized the blood shed by Filipinos
for the sake of freedom. White stood for the equality of rights and
freedom for all Filipinos.
The
triangle represented unity, while the three “Ks” stood for “true union
of the Sons of the People.” The eight rays of the sun represented the
first eight provinces that rose against Spain.
Patterned after the flag of Cuba, del Pilar designed a flag which was used in the Battle of Tirad Pass.
This
was also the first Katipunan flag to use three colors – red, blue and
black. The red upper stripe was taken from the Katipunan war standard
while the black lower stripe was taken from the Llanera flag, and the
blue triangle was inspired by the Cuban flag.
The
present Philippine flag was designed to represent our independence and
sovereignty. The white triangle with equal sides symbolizes equality
among men. The sun stands for the gigantic strides made by the sons of
this land on the road to progress.
Representing
the first eight provinces that revolted for our independence are the
sun’s rays. The three stars stand for the three major geographical
divisions of the country – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The
red symbolizes the willingness of the Filipino people to shed blood in
defense of their country. The blue stands for common unity and the
noble aspirations of the Filipino people. And the white stands for
purity.
This
flag was waived by General Emilio Aguinaldo from the window of his home
in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898, when he proclaimed Philippine
Independence from the rule of Spain. (PNA) |
