The flag of the Philippines is displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red field on top in times of war. The Filipino flag was officially adopted on June 12,1898. According to official sources, the white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for peace, truth and justice; and the red field for patriotism and valor. The eight primary rays of the sun represent the first eight provinces (Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac) that sought independence from Spain. The three stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
