MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Post Office commemorates the 254th Anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Postal Service, this Saturday, November 13 with the launching of “Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos” (Series 1) stamps as a tribute to the indomitable Filipino spirit.
This issuance is the first of the three categories with multiple series, namely, Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos Series; Living Legends: Outstanding Filipinos Series and Never Forgotten Series.
Adapting to the changing times, the Philippine Postal Office is now reviving the interest, innovating its Postage Stamps to celebrate, inspire and capture the spirit and excellence of Filipinos across every field of endeavors.
Presenting “Salamat, Pagpupugay sa mga Alamat!” (A tribute to Filipino Legends)! This is the Post Office’s modest way of giving recognition and honor to world-renowned Filipino talents, such as Singer Ms. Lea Salonga, bowling legend Paeng Nepomuceno, designer and entrepreneur Josie Natori, NBA star Jordan Clarkson, innovator and entrepreneur Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, chess grandmaster Eugene Torre, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, billiard great Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Pinoy icon Jollibee.
Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said that the Post Office takes pride in recognizing these great individuals, through stamps, fueling the Filipino passion for excellence anywhere in the world.
He added, “the stamps that the Post Office unveiled today, is also a celebration of the 75 years of the first stamp of the Republic of the Philippines. In 1946, as we rebuilt the nation, from that year onwards, we saw the birth of talented Filipinos who have made a mark in different fields of endeavor.
He said, “The Post Office delivers not only mails and parcels, this time shall be the bearer of good news, hope, and inspiration to millions of our countrymen- to stand tall and proud, showing the world what we Filipinos are capable of”.
In addition, the Post Office launched new generation of Philippine Postcards to capture the interest of people young and old alike to enjoy the product, creating more fun and excitement in keeping in touch with our love ones.
In 1767, the first post office was established in the City of Manila under a new postal district of Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, the Manila Central Post Office was considered the grandest building and the most prominent landmark and tourist attraction. It was destroyed during World War II in 1945, but was rebuilt in 1946.
Today, under the direct supervision of the Office of the President, the principal postal hub of today’s Philippine Postal Corporation, the Manila Central Post Office Building has maintained its majestic look, aimed at improving the efficiency and delivery of mails, parcels, and money order remittances.
The “Stamps Collectors” Community also dedicated this month of November as National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM). In 1994, then President Fidel V. Ramos, a stamp collector himself, issued Proclamation No. 494, which declared the month of November as National Stamp Collecting Month.
Stamps are available at the Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, call (02)8527-0108 or (02)8527-0132.
