Baguio to honor deceased teachers with national flag tribute

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has recently approved on third and final reading Ordinance 79-2025 awarding Philippine National Flags to deceased public school teachers and public child development workers during their wake or funeral services in recognition of their selfless dedication to education and the welfare of the city’s children.

Under the newly approved measure principally authored by Councilor Jose Molintas, all deceased public school teachers, including Child Development Workers in public Early Childhood Development Centers, are eligible to receive a national flag, regardless of their years of service or employment status.

Eligibility requires that the deceased have no administrative sanctions, with certification from the Schools Division Office for teachers and from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for child development workers.

The ordinance prescribes the proper placement and handling of the flag: the triangle must be at the head of the casket, with the blue portion covering the right side.

The flag is strictly prohibited from touching the ground or being lowered into the grave.

After the funeral rites, it must be solemnly folded and handed over to the heirs of the deceased, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”

Next-of-kin wishing to claim a flag must complete a form provided by the City General Services Office (GSO), supplying information including the deceased’s name and address, schools where they served, date of birth, surviving heirs, and the signature of the claimant.

The GSO Chief will verify the details and approve the issuance of the flag which will be delivered to the family during the wake or funeral by an available City Hall official.

An initial appropriation of P200,000.00 will be authorized, with a minimum of P100,000.00 allocated annually thereafter to sustain the program.

This funding will cover the purchase of flags and any administrative costs necessary to ensure the continued recognition of the city’s dedicated educators and child development workers.

The ordinance has been transmitted to Mayor Benjamin Magalong for signing before its implementation.