A message trending on social media highlights how the national flag became a symbol of safety, credited with saving thousands of lives during the 7.8‑magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao yesterday.
Reports state that the tremor coincided with the conduct of flag ceremonies in schools and public institutions, including the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol, where most employees were gathered in open spaces.
Despite the intensity 8 shaking felt in Cagayan de Oro City, officials confirmed that no injuries or damages were recorded among government workers and staff.
While the ceremony at the capitol was briefly interrupted, netizens viewed the incident as fortunate, noting that participants were outside rather than inside large buildings when the quake hit.
As a result, many in the public now believe that the flag ceremony played a crucial role in keeping them safe during the disaster.
