The original meaning of the three stars on the Philippine flag symbolized “the principal islands of the archipelago” at the time, namely Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay, not the major island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that the stars symbolize today.
Present day, the three stars on the flag of the Philippines represent the three major geographical regions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
These regions are the main island groups that makeup PH. The sun, located in the center of the flag, represents independence and freedom.
The flag was originally designed by Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Aguinaldo and was first unfurled on May 28, 1898, during the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule.
(Filed by JR Amigo/ai/mnm)