NUMISMATIST COLLECTION | The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has issued a commemorative coin set in denominations of P100, P20, and P5 for the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence. (Photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla on Monday led the launch in Malacañang of the commemorative coin set for the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence.
The BSP issued the coin set with P100, P20, and P5 denominations depicting the 1898 declaration of Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite; the birth of the short-lived First Philippine Republic at Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan; and the bravery of Filipinos who fought during the Philippine-American War, respectively.
In his brief remarks, the President pointed out that the production of the coins should not only remind Filipinos of important events in the country’s history but also of the birth of the Philippines as an independent nation.
“[T]he establishment of a formal currency, like [in] any country, is part of the definition of being a sovereign nation. And that’s why we have to see it not just as a very, very nice souvenir but really a commemoration of the creation of the Republic of the Philippines,” Marcos said.
He noted that the BSP used the latest digital printing technology to develop the coin set, which features the first colored, noncirculation, commemorative coins produced in the country.
‘Most modern technology’
“We have used the most modern technology, which also signifies that the Philippines is at that stage in its development that we are now at the forefront and we’ll use the best technologies, the best techniques, everything that is good and new for our country,” he said.
“[I]t also reminds us how far we have gone and the significant of what we have achieved in 125 years,” he added.
The BSP said it will announce via its social media channels when the coin set will be available for sale on its online store.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is leading this year’s 125th Independence Day celebration, which has the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”