Under the current law, these flags must be disposed only through what it called “dignified burning.”
Ahead of the National Flag Days and Independence Day, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) led a ceremonial disposal of old Philippine flags.
During which, DOST officials pushed for the amendment of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, specifically the provision for the proper disposal of worn-out and damaged flags.
Under the law, these can only be disposed of through a process of solemn burning, primarily “to avoid misuse or desecration.”
Instead, the DOST wants the law to allow environmentally friendly ways of retiring old flags through recycling and repurposing.
“Nakalagay kasi mismo sa titik ng ating batas na talagang ang pagsusunog po ang pamamaraan ng pagre-retiro ng watawat,” DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño told.
However, he said that DOST-PTRI wants to recognize recycling as another respectful option, but the flag should no longer be identified in its original form.
Furthermore, recycling also allows worn out flags to have a renewed purpose instead of treating them as waste.
Leaño also explained that the recycling process will use physical fiber recovery, where the fabric is separated to recover fibers that can later be reused for other textile applications — with the DOST-PTRI saying around 90 to 95 percent of the material can still be recovered through the process.
For his part, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the country should begin exploring more sustainable alternatives while still respecting the dignity of the Philippine flag.
“Our law is old, so we need to change it. And we can use it properly.”
Solidum also emphasized the importance of reducing waste and supporting environmental protection.
“Of course, it is in the law that it should be burned. But hopefully in the very near future, we can actually modify the law by using, repurposing this flag for better use. Especially on our advocacy of the circular economy. We need to make sure that the new law will be able to not only honor our flag but make sure that our advocacy for the use of lesser plastic and natural fiber will be promoted,” he added.
He added that DOST-PTRI is leading efforts to study how old flags may still serve a meaningful purpose after retirement, stressing that beyond the traditional use of the flag, the threads can be used for other purposes.
Moreover, Leaño announced that DOST-PTRI continues to accept worn-out Philippine flags throughout the year. The public may coordinate with DOST-PTRI directly or through provincial science and technology offices for the proper turnover and retirement of old flags.
As of May 26, the institute has already collected 3,333 worn-out flags for proper retirement and possible recycling initiatives.