AS rockets and other pyrotechnics soar and light up the skies, do not forget to raise the three stars and the sun of the national tri-color to welcome the New Year.

"When Juan de la Cruz wakes up on Jan. 1, 1998, it will be no ordinary first day of the year for him. Tomorrow is the day when he starts to recall and rekindle the spirit of 1898," said Luis Morales, executive director of the National Centennial Commission.

The NCC launched "A Flag in Every Home" project early this December and enjoins Filipino households to display the Philippine flag in front of their homes all throughout the Centennial year.

"The flag and the anthem played significant roles when Philippine Independence was declared in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. It is thus fitting that we celebrate 1998 by hanging flags in our homes the whole year round," said Morales.

The Philippine tri-color sewn by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenzana, and Dr. Jose Rizal's niece Delfina Natividad in 1898 has increased in significance with the country's centennial celebration.

The original flag, in fact, has been restored and will be displayed soon at the Smithsonian Institute in the United States.

"After the festivity of the Yuletide season, Filipinos need not leave their celebratory mood and brood over the problems currently facing the country. A bigger event is about to happen, and that is the Centennial Year," added Morales.