AS THE WHOLE nation celebrates the 127th National Independence Day, this historic event underscores the historical significance of the Philippine flag and acquisition of our independence as a nation, which has witnessed various periods of conflict and struggle, and has become a symbol of hope and resilience.
In honoring our iconic sublime historical symbol of our Motherland, the Philippine national flag, let me share a very touching and interesting true-to-life story that no one would have ever believed and witnessed in our modern times, that a 12-year old shy sixth-grader Janela Arcos Lelis from Malinao, Albay could have committed a selfless act of bravery and strong courage, one would normally associate with soldiers on a battlefield to win the war, save lives, protect and depend our country’s sublime Philippine flag.
Her act symbolized loyalty and patriotism and resiliency of her love for her beloved country.
BRAVERY, PATRIOTISM
She touches many lives that went viral on social media, print, television as well as around the Globe, highly praised and recognized the act of bravery and patriotism of a Janela who risked her life to retrieve the Philippine flag from a rapid rising deep floodwaters during Typhoon “Juaning” in 2011.
Janela retrieved the flag on her brother’s plea amid rapid rising deep floodwaters. Her elder brother, Edcel, who was custodian of the flag entrusted to him by the school, was, also the Color Officer for Malinao National High School’s Citizen’s Army Training detachment.
SELFLESS ACT OF COURAGE
Janela’s deed was a “selfless act of courage”, reflective of her love for country and a constant reverence to the national symbol,” said NHCP Executive Director Ludovico Badoy.
In her crisp, white and blue uniform and high-cut red sneakers, the shy girl politely obliged endless requests for photos of her with school officials, employees and visitors during and on the sidelines of Thursday’s historic awarding and tribute ceremony.
“This plaque of recognition is given to (Lelis) for her exemplary action, risking life and limb to save the Philippine national flag from the rising floodwaters… at the height of Typhoon Juaning in Malinao, Albay,” said Badoy.
RECOGNITION
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) highly acknowledged and recognized her act of courage and patriotism with an award, including a Plaque, a small lapel pin Philippine Flag, and a full-sized Philippine flag, and a P20,000 cash prize. An NHCP Board Resolution also written and filed as a tribute and to honor Janela’s “act of courage and patriotism.”
During the school’s historic awarding ceremony, for her deed, a little lapel Philippine flag was pinned on the left collar of Janela’s uniform as a reminder of her deed amid raging floodwaters wrought by Typhoon “Juaning” in July 2011.
“We thank and admire Janela and we hope that your classmates and all the other young people in the country will follow your wonderful example of giving tribute to our national flag,” NHCP president Maria Serena Diokno said in Filipino before fastening the flag lapel pin on Lelis’ collar.
A GOOD SAMPLE
NHCP’s Heraldry Chief, Teodoro Atienza, said Janela Lelis was worthy of emulation as she had done something not even adults had accomplished.
In his more than 30 years at the NHCP, he had never encountered anyone who had risked his or her life to save the national flag, Atienza said in an interview. “She is a very good example to the youth… I hope people will learn from her in giving the right kind of respect to our flag.”
HISTORICAL SYMBOLISM
The NHCP got wind of her story when her brave act was immortalized in a photograph taken by a Malinao resident, Frank Lurzano. The photo circulated in social networking sites. This incident highlights the importance of the Philippine flag as a symbol of national pride and unity, even in the face of adversity.