THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Republic of Singapore issued joint Commemorative Stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both countries’ friendship and close bilateral ties.
To symbolize the two nations’ diplomatic relations, the stamps will feature the popular butterflies Cethosia luzonica or the “Luzon lacewing butterfly” which represents the Philippines, and Pachllopta aristolochiae or the “common rose butterfly” to embody Singapore.
Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.
The relationship between the two countries for the past five decades remains vibrant, and have grown stronger through the years.
The diplomatic relations were formally established between the Philippines and Singapore on May 16, 1969. The two countries were present during the establishment of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) making them both founding members.
Chee Wee Kiong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Philippine Ambassador Joseph Del Mar Yap, PHLPost Chairman of the Board of Directors Norman Fulgencio, Singapore Post Senior Vice President Marjorie Ooi, IMDA Deputy Director Ruth Wong, and PHLPost Business Lines department manager Maximo Sta. Maria jointly launched the commemorative stamps of both countries.
Fulgencio and Sta. Maria visited the Lion City to formally present the Souvenir Frame of the joint commemorative stamps.
PHLPost has printed 5,000 copies of the special commemorative stamps designed by PHLPost in-house graphic artist Rodine C. Teodoro and sold for P114 each.
Limited copies of Souvenir sheets and official first day covers of Philippines-Singapore 50 years of diplomatic relationship are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office. – (PR)