In celebration of the 2024 Araw ng Kalayaan and the 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic of 1899, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has issued the country’s longest postage stamps in a bid for the Guinness World Records.
The sheetlet strip of three stamps, measuring 200mm x 35mm, is the first of its kind issued by PHLPost. Entitled “Philippines: First Republic in Asia,” the stamps illustrate the Philippines’ journey to nationhood, from the historic proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, to the declaration of the First Philippine Republic in 1901.
The commemorative stamps feature historical vignettes, including the arrival of Emilio Aguinaldo in Malolos, Bulacan, the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic at Barasoain Church in 1899, the Philippine-American War, Aguinaldo’s odyssey in Northern Luzon, and Apolinario Mabini in Pangasinan. They also depict Aguinaldo’s capture in Isabela in 1901, highlighting the continued fight for liberty.
The stamps include photos of the Philippine Revolutionary Government Postage Stamps and the Philippine Revolutionary Government Postage and Telegraph Registration Stamps from that era.
PHLPost aims to immortalize this legacy, underscoring the Philippines as a beacon of liberty, democracy, and republicanism in Asia. The stamps are meant to inspire courage and patriotism among Filipinos.
The PHLPost commemorative stamps will be available to the public at the Manila Central Post Office compound in Lawton, Manila, on June 12, 2024. Nine thousand pieces of the strip of three stamps will be sold at P125 each, while 400 pieces of the official first day cover envelope (size 25cm x 19cm) have been printed.
The stamps, designed by artist Roderick “Derrick” C. Macutay with layout by Jose Antonio A. Jayme of PHLPost, feature iridescent ink embellishments on all figures.
“The beauty, uniqueness, and special significance of commemorative stamps continue to be a source of fascination among collectors,” said PHLPost in their statement.
The issuance of these stamps not only marks a significant historical milestone but also aims to set a world record, bringing further recognition to the Philippines on a global stage.
