MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released a new set of special stamps featuring some of the country’s historic plazas in line with the observance of National Heritage Month.
In a statement, PHLPost said the stamp collection paid tribute to town plazas that have long served as centers of community life, culture, and history in the Philippines.
Featured in the collection are the Sta. Barbara Plaza in Iloilo, Bacolod City Plaza in Negros Occidental, Tabaco Plaza in Albay, Vigan Plaza in Ilocos Sur, Zamboanga Plaza in Zamboanga del Sur, San Carlos Plaza in Pangasinan, and Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila.
According to PHLPost, the stamps aim to highlight the architectural beauty and historical significance of these public spaces, which have traditionally functioned as venues for social, religious, political, and cultural activities.
The postal corporation noted that Philippine plazas, often surrounded by churches, municipal halls, and heritage structures, reflect the country’s layered history and the blend of indigenous and colonial influences that continue to shape Filipino communities.
The stamps were designed by PHLPost in-house artist Jose Antonio Jayme in coordination with Judith Neric of the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.
The photographs used in the stamp series were credited to landscape architect and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren, known for his advocacy for public spaces and his research on the history of Philippine plazas across the country.
PHLPost said the release forms part of its efforts to use philately as a platform for promoting Filipino identity and cultural heritage through collectible and educational postage stamps.
The agency added that the stamps were expected to attract collectors, historians, and the general public while encouraging greater appreciation of the country’s cultural landmarks.
