PHLPost stamps pay tribute to frontliners

MASKED HEROES A limited edition “dark night” stamp (left) features five people protecting a building, symbolizing the efforts of front-liners to guard the public against COVID-19. The other stamp shows front-liners wearing masks with the words“We fight for you.” —PHOTO COURTESY OF PHLPOST

MANILA, Philippines — “Front-line heroes” such as medical professionals, government troops, delivery and food service personnel and other workers at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic have been honored through colorful postal stamps released by the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost).

“This postage stamp is our simple way of uplifting and boosting their morale and making them feel that their sacrifices are not left unnoticed,” Postmaster General Joel Otarra said in a statement.

Designed by graphic artist Rodine Teodoro, each stamp features a front-liner, including a doctor, nurse and soldier wearing a mask bearing the words “We fight for you.” Around 200,000 stamps are for sale at P12 each.

PHLPost, however, is also offering a limited edition stamp depicting what Teodoro described as a “dark night.”

“It’s a dark night since we are facing a difficult time right now with the coronavirus [pandemic]. And we have [five] front-liners surrounded by the virus as they protect those inside the building,” he explained. There are only 5,000 copies of the stamp selling at P55 each.

Teodoro, who has been designing PHLPost stamps for five years now, said that these “windows to history” often depict heroes. It is only fitting that essential workers, medical professionals and other front-liners are recognized for their heroic efforts today in the midst of a pandemic, he added.

Currently on display at the Post Office lobby in Manila is a board containing letters for front-liners.

Those who want to contribute should take a photo of their letter and post it on social media instead of sending it through the mail to avoid the risk of infection. PHLPost has so far received around 100 letters, mostly from children, according to Teodoro.