To celebrate the 2023 National Heritage Month, the Philippine Postal Corporation has unveiled a new set of commemorative stamps featuring eight different heritage structures and historic sites associated with the birth of the Filipino nation, and the establishment of the first democracy and constitutional republic in Asia.
The series, titled “Kalayaan ay Pamana,” includes the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Sideco House in San Isidro Nueva Ecija; Cabanatuan Cathedral Convent in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga; Tarlac Cathedral in Tarlac City, Tarlac; Cuenca House in Bacoor, Cavite; and Malolos Cathedral Convent and Barasoain Church, both in Malolos City, Bulacan.
PHLPost has partnered with the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and FUNtastic Philippines Inc., a group of amateur and professional photographers in commemorating the NHM 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 aim to reflect the country’s 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 different designs with P16 denomination, and souvenir sheets with P55 denomination. PHLPost in-house graphic designer Ryman Dominic Albuladora did the layout of the stamps, which feature the photos of 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. For inquiries on the stamps, call (02)8527-0108 or (02)8527-0132 and follow its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/) for updates.