Philippines flag patch

Size: 6.5 x 4 cm (2.56 x 1.57 inch)

The flag of the Philippines consists of two horizontal stripes and a white horizontal triangle on the left side of the flag facing the middle. The top stripe is blue and the bottom is red. In each corner of the triangle is a five pointed gold/yellow star. In the center of the triangle there is a large gold/yellow sun.

Meaning: The blue stripe symbolizes patriotism and justice. The red represents valor and the blood spilt for freedom and independence and the white stands for peace and purity. The white triangle represents equality and the Katipunan nationalist organization. The three stars represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas. The sun represents independence and its eight rays represent the eight provinces that led the Philippine uprising against Spanish rule.

History: The current Philippine flag was adopted on September 16, 1997. The flag was originally adopted in 1898 after the Philippines gained independence from Spain but it was banned in 1907 after the USA took control of the country. Public pressure saw the ban lifted in 1920. Japan invaded the Philippines in 1942 and the flag was again banned until 1943. The USA regained control of the islands in 1945 and granted the Philippines independence on July 4, 1946. The flag underwent minor alterations in 1997. The Philippine flag was first designed by General Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong Kong.

Interesting Facts: The national flag of the Philippines is also the country's war ensign, when the Philippines are at war it is flown upside down, with the red stripe on top of the blue (source: worldflags101).