The national coat of arms of the Philippines is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity. It features a shield divided into three parts, each representing a significant aspect of the country’s history and culture. The shield is supported by two golden lions, and above it is a golden eagle with outstretched wings.
The first part of the shield is blue and represents the island of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. It features a golden sun with eight rays, which symbolizes the country’s first eight provinces that revolted against Spanish colonial rule. The sun also represents freedom, unity, and sovereignty.
The second part of the shield is red and represents the Visayas, a group of islands in the central Philippines. It features a golden lion holding a sword and a coconut tree, which symbolizes the bravery and resilience of the Visayan people. The sword represents the struggle for freedom, while the coconut tree represents the abundance of natural resources in the region.
The third part of the shield is yellow and represents Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines. It features a golden crescent moon and a star, which symbolizes Islam, the predominant religion in the region. The crescent moon and star also represent peace and hope.
The two golden lions that support the shield represent the country’s Spanish colonial past, while the golden eagle above the shield represents the United States, which colonized the Philippines after Spain. The eagle also represents the country’s aspiration for freedom and independence.
The colors used in the coat of arms also have significant meanings. Blue represents peace, truth, and justice, while red represents patriotism and valor. Yellow represents nobility, wealth, and power, while gold represents excellence, wisdom, and virtue.
The national coat of arms of the Philippines has a rich history that dates back to the country’s struggle for independence. It was first designed by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, in 1898 during the country’s revolution against Spain. The original design featured a sun with three stars, which represented the three main regions of the country at the time.
In 1935, the Philippine Commonwealth government adopted a new design for the coat of arms, which featured a shield with a sun and stars, a wreath of sampaguita flowers, and a scroll with the words “Republic of the Philippines.” This design was used until 1946, when the country gained independence from the United States.
In 1956, President Ramon Magsaysay issued an executive order that established the current design of the national coat of arms. The design was based on the original design by Emilio Aguinaldo, but with some modifications. The shield was divided into three parts to represent the three main regions of the country, and the golden eagle was added to symbolize the country’s aspiration for freedom and independence.
Today, the national coat of arms of the Philippines is a symbol of the country’s rich history, culture, and aspirations. It is prominently displayed in government buildings, schools, and other public places, and is a source of pride for the Filipino people.