In observance of Philippine Independence Day on June 12, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released a set of four stamps featuring historic landmarks that were visited during Independence Day celebrations.
The landmarks include:
- the Jose Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila;
- Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan;
- President Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; and
- the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.
“It is but fitting to memorialize through the issuance of a commemorative stamp these historic landmarks that signify the blood and sacrifices earned by our martyrs, in order for our next generation to cherish and remember,” said Philippine Postmaster General Joel Otarra.
The Independence Day stamps feature vibrant designs of blue and red, both of which recall the colour of the Philippine flag, as well as photographs of the four historic monuments located in Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Caloocan City.
A gold foil embellishment was also used along the border “to make it more attractive and interesting to collectors,” according to the PHLPost website.
The stamps, each of which measure 40 mm by 30 mm, were designed by in-house graphic artist Rodine Teodoro. They are available in a sheet of 16 stamps. A total of 102,400 12-pence stamps were printed.
PHILIPPINE HISTORY
The annual observance of Philippine Independence Day was signed into a law by former President Diosdado Macapagal through Republic Act No. 4166 on Aug. 4, 1964. The declaration of Philippine independence was made on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization. The Philippines flag was raised for the first time in 1898.