Original Philippine Flag in a very fragile state
By: Dave Leprozo, Jr.
Baguio City — The Philippine’s original flag which was unfurled 128 years ago during the Philippine Independence Day rites in Kawit, Cavite by the late President Emilio Aguinaldo is in a sad state of deterioration.
As the Aguinaldo family who runs the Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City are wary that the Original Philippine Flag which is presently encased in a glass and a climate controlled room illuminated with very low led light is slowly degenerating. Even while flash bulbs and other lighting photography and videography are not allowed in the located wing.
This century old handmade symbol of independence will be beyond saving once the fabric turns to dust in ten to twenty years due to the unavailability of replacement fabric for its worn out and damaged parts. The Aguinaldo family also sought the help of the Smithsonian Museum years back for conservation and restoration to no avail. Museum staff sadly say that of the more than120 million Filipinos only less than a million have seen the actual Flag since its unfurling until today. Single line viewing is only allowed inside the room.
