Carol dela Cruz, the Batanes elementary school teacher who went viral for climbing a flagpole to replace a broken rope, was honored yesterday in a ceremony held at Rizal Park. She became the 55th honoree of the Salute to a Clean Flag Movement, a non-political initiative aimed at promoting patriotism through the proper display of the Philippine Flag.
Dela Cruz was recognized for her dedication to the Philippine flag after a video of her climbing the flagpole at Savidug Elementary School in Sabtang circulated on social media. The footage, shared by netizen Arlene Castillo, showed her scaling the pole with ease, gripping it with her hands and feet to insert a new rope.
During the ceremony, Dela Cruz was presented with a new Philippine flag encased in a wooden triangular box. The movement praised her for “being a steward of the Philippine Flag and a positive influence to the youth.”
Dela Cruz expressed her surprise at the recognition, saying, “I didn’t realize that a simple act like showing love for the flag is significant and deserves recognition.” She encouraged others to continue doing good and believe in their own abilities.
Monique Cornelio-Pronove, founder of the Salute to a Clean Flag Movement, emphasized in a PhilStar report that Dela Cruz’s actions exemplify everyday patriotism. “Her act shows that patriotism is not about grand gestures, but consistent and everyday acts of community service,” she said.
In a light-hearted moment, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. humorously asked Dela Cruz to teach soldiers how to climb the flagpole at Rizal Park.
