In today’s world, it’s quite hard to see people who wholeheartedly respect the Philippine national anthem even in flag ceremonies that are being conducted in schools, municipal halls, and other government offices.
In schools, students usually line up every Monday to participate in flag ceremonies and during Fridays on flag retreats. Unfortunately, not all students are all hearts and ears when it comes to the singing of the Philippine national anthem.
Photo courtesy of Teacher Rouanne Marie Ablog
But one amazing student has gone viral on Facebook for doing the improbable – paying respect to the Philippine Flag by singing the national anthem under the pouring rain.
We’ve only known the young girl in the photo as Chelsea Rapisura. Her photo was uploaded by Teacher Rouanne Marie Ablog, a teacher from Ilocos Sur National High School.
According to Teacher Rouanne, the flag ceremony at their school was conducted in the hallway that day due to the bad weather.
Unfortunately, Chelsea got caught in the middle of the singing of Lupang Hinirang that’s whys she was left alone on the quadrangle. To her bravery, she stood still and sang even when the rain is pouring. Thankfully, Chelsea was promptly requested to stay under the shade.
When asked about her courageous act, Chelsea said, “Bilang isang estudyante, dapat nating isaisip ang pag-respeto at pagpupugay sa ating pambansang watawat.”
Mixed Reactions
While many netizens appreciate Chelsea’s patriotism, some have their different opinion about the viral photo.
A Facebook handler in the name of Paul Vincent Salazar questions Teacher Rouanne’s notion of patriotism as to why she was using a phone during the singing of the national anthem. He also asked if the teacher has Chelsea’s consent for taking her photo.
Other Facebook users were quick to defend Teacher Rouanne. Richard Raqueno said that capturing such a moment is sometimes needed to remind the youth of today the spirit of patriotism.
Another FB user with the name Accar Gared responded that the lack of consent from Chelsea for having her photo taken will only be considered wrong if the photo has been used improperly or in a way that will inflict damage on the young student.
Others also commented that while Chelsea’s act is worth emulating, it might also be worth noting that she might have come to school late that’s why she was caught in the middle of the flag ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Teacher Rouanne Marie Ablog
Despite of those comments..NO MORE NO LESS, ang ginawa ng bata ay pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa bayan at dapat i-recognize ang bata. Sino ba namang estudyante ang maglalakas-loob na tumigil sa gitna ng ulan habang nagkakaroon ng flag ceremony at kakanta ng Lupang Hinirang? Para sa akin, I salute sa ginawa ng bata!