EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 343

: The purpose is to evoke a stronger sense of history and nationhood among Filipino citizens, especially in light of the centennial celebration of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1998.
: The Commission on the Filipino Language prepared the draft, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts finalized the pledge.
: The pledge highlights values such as dignity (dangal), justice (katarungan), freedom (kalayaan), and being God-fearing (Maka-Diyos), humane (Maka-tao), and patriotic (Makabansa).
: Every Filipino citizen is directed to learn the 'Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat', reflect on its words, and internalize the dedication to nationhood it expresses.
: Executive Order No. 343 took effect immediately upon its signing on June 12, 1996.
: June 12 is the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, making it a symbolic date to adopt the pledge that fosters nationalism and patriotism.
: No, Executive Order No. 343 does not specify any penalties for failure to learn or to recite the pledge; it focuses on adoption and encouragement.
: Institutionalizing the pledge serves as an official act of the government to promote patriotism, national unity, and awareness of Filipino values and history, thereby strengthening national identity legally and culturally.