Dr. Licerio Napao, City Division of Schools superintendent, yesterday directed all principals in 25 elementary and high schools in Dumaguete to strictly observe Department of Education Order No. 83 on the actual singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Napao called on the DepEd family including the students to vocalize the national anthem during flag ceremonies and flag retreats. He said the directive issued by Education Secretary Jesli Lapus to renew efforts in strengthening respect and allegiance to the Philippine flag.

Napao also said the order could be a result of a blunder committed by singer Christian Bautista at the opening of a recent world boxing title defense.

The order dated December 2007 also enjoins all public and private schools not to use tattered or badly-faded flags to fly in their campuses.

Lapus said sanctions are in place for erring institutions as also provided for under Republic Act 8491.

Before the directive, most schools  were using produced and canned music during flag ceremonies, Napao said.*JG

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