Jaehwa Bernardo

Sewers finish up sewing the Philippine flag at a shop in Sta Cruz Manila on May 27, 2025. As they prepare them for the celebration of National Flag Day (May 28th). Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

PHFLAG

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177969463737020250527-flag-makers-manila-JC-7843.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sewers finish up sewing the Philippine flag at a shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila on May 27, 2025. As they prepare them for the celebration of National Flag Day (May 28th).<em> Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is studying possible amendments to the Flag and Heraldic Code that would allow non-burning disposal and recycling methods for retired Philippine flags.</p><p>DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño Jr. said Monday the initiative addresses environmental concerns brought by the burning of modern flags made of synthetic materials.</p><p>“Right now, ang ating bandila po is made of polyester and nylon. So, when you burn them, they&#x27;re emitting toxic gases in the atmosphere. So, &#x27;yun po &#x27;yung mas underlying advocacy,” Leaño said in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.</p><p>Leaño said that any proposed changes would still uphold respect for the national flag even if the method of retirement moves away from traditional burning.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/28/-wata-what-you-might-not-know-about-the-philippine-flag-1329"><strong>READ: &#x27;Wata-what&#x27; you might not know about the Philippine flag<br/></strong></a></div><p>He added that the institute is exploring recycling technologies to repurpose flag fibers into other textile products without diminishing their symbolic value.</p><p>“Pwede gamitin pangburda, pwede natin gamitin alternatibong materyales para sa ibang bahagi ng kasuotan,” he said.</p><p>DOST-PTRI is also encouraging the use of cotton or silk for ceremonial indoor flags to reduce environmental impact, Leaño said.</p><div><strong>Footwear sizing</strong></div><p>Leaño said the institute is also planning to establish a Philippine footwear sizing system to better fit the average Filipino foot.</p><p>“There must also be a sizing system appropriate for us para hindi naman &#x27;yung sapatos ay naka-fit para sa ibang paa… &#x27;pag nag-sizing ka sa [Philippine] sizing system, mako-correlate mo siya sa [United States], sa [European Union]. So it’s easy to transact,” Leaño said. </p><p>This comes after the Philippines won the grand prize at the International Footwear Design Competition in China, which Leaño described as a major development to the country’s creative industries.</p><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IEBLBrx2dEM?&amp;pp=ygURRkxBRyBBQlMtQ0JOIE5FV1PSBwkJBAsBhyohjO8%3D&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><strong></strong><br/></div>

<p>The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is studying possible amendments to the Flag and Heraldic Code that would allow non-burning disposal and recycling methods for retired Philippine flags.</p>

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is studying possible amendments to the Flag and Heraldic Code that would allow non-burning disposal and recycling methods for retired Philippine flags.

Retired Philippine flags could soon be recycled instead of burned

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Lifestyle

Retired Philippine flags could soon be recycled instead of burned

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 25, 2026 03:46 PM PHT

Read More:

DOST

Philippine flag

recycling

footwear sizing

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.