by Glaiza Salanio

On Sunday, June 9, Malacañang released an order for government agencies and schools in the country to recite the hymn and the pledge of “Bagong Pilipinas” in weekly flag ceremonies.

According to Memorandum Circular no. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on June 4, this order aims “to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.”

“For this purpose, the heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge, which are annexed to this Circular, are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices,” the memorandum said.

The Presidential Communications Office is also tasked with implementing effective measures to communicate and disseminate the hymn and pledge to all government agencies and the public.

Bagong Pilipinas, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration’s brand of governance and leadership, was launched in July 2023.

All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), were directed to be guided by the principles of Bagong Pilipinas.

Malacañang stated in the memorandum that Bagong Pilipinas is “characterized by a principled, accountable, and dependable government, reinforced by unified institutions of society.”

”It is envisioned to empower Filipinos to support and participate in all government efforts in an all-inclusive plan towards deep and fundamental social and economic transformation in all sectors of society and government,” it added.