Tuesday, September 2, 2008

PROPER BEAT OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

During the flag ceremony, city librarian Beth Daduya, announced and informed all city employees present that the proper beat in singing the national anthem is in the 2/4 beat, not 4/4 beat.

Daduya said the directive of the Department of Education states that the original manuscript, “Himno Nacional Filipino” of the late Julian Felipe was a “march” tempo, that is why it should be sung in 2/4 time.

“It’s about time to correct this error”, Beth Daduya said.

Republic Act (RA) Number 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines states that Lupang Hinirang should be sung based on the original musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

Felipe is the original music arranger of Lupang Hinirang in 1898. It has tune of march and the lyrics was adapted from the Spanish poem “Filipinas” written by Jose Palma only in 1899.

The NHI, in coordination with the proper government agency, shall disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so “with fervor.”

They are expected to sing while the right hand is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibit them from singing “Lupang Hinirang” must still show full respect.

Ms. Daduya also mentioned that the use of canned music during flag ceremonies is prohibited while tattered or bad faced flags is also prohibited in all schools and offices.

More than 6,000 public teachers handling Music, Makabayan, Values Education, English and Filipino subjects as well as school administrators were oriented on the proper conduct of flag raising and retreat ceremonies.

Our Philippine National Anthem was legalized by an act of the Philippine Congress under Commonwealth Act No. (CA) 382 on December 5, 1938. The Filipino lyrics have been affirmed by Republic Act (RA) No. 8491 which states that “Lupang Hinirang” should be sung in the national language.

RA 8491 prohibits its singing for “mere recreation, amusement or entertainment”, except during the following occasions: local and international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has representatives; during the “signing on” and “signing off” of radio broadcasting and television stations; and before the first and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

The law imposes a fine ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 and jail terms of up to one year, or both, for violators of its provisions.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned if the measure subsequently, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.