MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the mandatory recitation of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn after flag-raising ceremonies in all government agencies, state-run companies, and educational institutions.
Local government units are also “encouraged” to follow suit, according to a memorandum released over the weekend.
Memorandum Circular No. 52, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of the President on Tuesday, June 4, aims to “further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.”
The directive covers national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and educational institutions, including state universities and colleges (SUCs).
“To further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and educational institutions, such as SUCs (state universities and colleges), are hereby directed, and LGUs are hereby encouraged, to integrate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge in the conduct of weekly flag ceremonies, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” Memorandum Circular No. 52 reads.
The memorandum also tasks the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) with disseminating the message of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge to all government offices and the public.
Additionally, national government agencies are required to ensure the proper dissemination of the hymn and pledge within their respective institutions.
“Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) serves as the branding for the Marcos administration’s governance and leadership style. (PIA-NCR)