PhilPost turns 20 with new logo, services

On its 20th year, the Philippine Postal Corp. seems set on reestablishing its position in an increasingly high tech world.

With  a new logo, new services, and even the promise of a new office, PhilPost celebrated its 20th corporate anniversary at its headquarters at the Manila Post Office on Tuesday.

Though the Philippine postal office was established in Manila in 1767, PhilPost only got its name and corporate status in 1992 when then President Corazon Aquino signed Republic Act No. 7354.

Her eldest child, Ballsy, was guest of honor at the anniversary ceremonies, with lady postmaster-general, Josefina de la Cruz.

After a century of delivering mail, PhilPost now offers new services for modern lifestyles. It also has an electronic remittance system under the e-Postal Money Order (e-Post-MO) service; acts as a bills payment center under an agreement with Bayad Center Inc.; pick-up point and delivery service for the social welfare department’s Conditional Cash Transfer and the Senior Citizens’ Pension Program; and offers logistics service or forwarding of cargo like machines and furniture.

To keep up with these new services, PhilPost will also deploy around 200 new express mail service vans all over the country.

De la Cruz added that they will be franchising postal stations either to private parties or barangay, for P20,000. They have already received their first application from Ateneo de Manila University, she said.

Renovations, however, would have to be deferred  as assessments are still underway for plans to lease the building as a hotel or university in the future.

At least six companies have expressed interest in renting the Neo-Classic heritage building, which was designed in 1926, and was rebuilt after it was damaged  in World War II.

The building is being eyed as the centerpiece of a larger re-zoning and tourism development plan for the Plaza Lawton quadrant, De la Cruz explained.

A committee tasked to look into these plans, led by the Department of Finance, will be submitting their report to President Aquino in 45 to 60 days, De la Cruz said.

“All the same, we are prepared for the possibility of relocating  our corporate office on our property in Quezon City,” she told reporters.

“Let us leave the past behind because we can no longer change it. Let us look to the promise of tomorrow, through the intelligent use of today,” De la Cruz had said in her speech.

After posting a P110-million income in 2011, coming from a P200-million loss in 2010, the postmaster-general expressed confidence that they are regaining public trust, and even the satisfaction of employees.

President Aquino had given PhilPost a grant that helped settle its  obligations, she said.

Dela Cruz hailed PhilPost couriers, in particular, as the face and heart of the corporation. The new PhilPost logo shows an image of a running courier carrying an envelope.

In her speech, Ballsy encouraged the PhilPost employees to continue delivering public service with integrity. “If there are criticisms, use it as motivation. Turn your backs on those who obstruct you from   treading the straight path,” she said, apparently borrowing the campaign slogan of her President brother.

“Reaffirm the essence of PhilPost, which is to serve people-to-people connections,” she urged.

On Tuesday, commemorative stamps were launched, featuring Corazon Aquino, RA 7354, and the iconic Manila Post Office building. A stamp exhibit and a 60×30-ft mosaic of Mrs. Aquino made of  stamps, were also unveiled to clinch the anniversary activities.