To mark the celebration of 2023 National Heritage Month (NHM), the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has unveiled a new set of commemorative stamps featuring eight (8) different heritage structures and historic sites associated with the birth of the Filipino nation, the first democracy and constitutional republic in the whole of Asia.
These historic structures are Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Sideco House, San Isidro Nueva Ecija; Cabanatuan Cathedral Convent, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Pamintuan Mansion, Angeles City; Tarlac Cathedral, Tarlac City, Tarlac; Cuenca House, Bacoor, Cavite; Malolos Cathedral Convent, Malolos City, Bulacan and Barasoain Church, Malolos City, Bulacan.
Entitled “Kalayaan ay Pamana”, PHLPost has partnered with the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and FUNtastic Philippines Inc, a group of amateur and professional photographers in commemorating the National Heritage Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 439, declaring the month of May of every year as National Heritage Month o Buwan ng Pambansang Pamana.
The celebration aims to create among the Filipino people an enhanced consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation’s cultural history.
“Mula sa mga makulay na kasaysayan at tanyag na lugar sa bansa, na tampok sa mumunting piraso ng sining na kung tawagin ay “Stamp o Selyo”, ang PHLPost ay patuloy na nagmumulat ng kaalaman, respeto at pagbibigay halaga sa pagiging Filipino.”, Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos said.
He added, “Keeping our heritage buildings intact amid the new development and progress would provide us and the next generations a sense of continuity in these times of uncertainty and change”.
The postage stamps also reflect the country’s long-standing traditions, cultural values, or political systems that endure despite changes that may occur in other areas. Its continuity provides a sense of stability and a connection to the past and helps to shape the development of societies and cultures for generations to come.
PHLPost has printed 80,000 copies of the Stamps in eight (8) different designs with a 16-peso denomination, and souvenir sheets with a 55-peso denomination. PHLPost in-house graphic designer Ryman Dominic Albuladora did the layout of the stamps with photos credited to Rolino Bucao, Jr., Rosemarie de Guzman, Godwin Hernaez, Bobby Taron, and Ruwen Verdaguer of FUNtastic Philippines, Inc.
Stamps and official first-day covers are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio, and Iloilo City Post Office.