The Museo Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Museo BSP), in partnership with the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP), kicked off this year’s “COINversations” with a forum on the origins of minting and gold refining in the country at BSP’s head office in Manila on 22 November 2024.
Dr. Celestina Boncan from the University of the Philippines (UP) and Timothy Joseph T. Tomas of BSP’s Mint and Refinery Operations discussed the Philippines’ first mint, Casa de Moneda, and the gold refinery programs of the central bank in the session, “Oro: Discussions on Gold and Minting,” respectively.
Museo BSP launched COINversations in 2023 to promote appreciation of coins, banknotes, and BSP-produced medals beyond their monetary value, and to foster understanding of the role of money in Filipinos’ lives.
According to BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, “We delve into the importance of money in our culture and society, examining not just the physical aspects of coins and banknotes but also their impact on trade, commerce, and the socio-economic landscape of their time. We hope this COINversation deepens appreciation for our material culture and heritage.”
Meanwhile, BMAP President Mai Gacilo Sangalang said, “It is such a fortunate coincidence that BMAP and Museo BSP are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. As a longstanding partner of the BSP in connecting with the banking sector, BMAP believes that lectures on numismatic and banking history are important to have better understanding and appreciation of Philippine currency and its impact in the past, and how over periods of time, they have contributed to nation-building and progress.”
As part of the series, former Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Assistant Vice-President and author of the award-winning book, Salapi: Numismatic Heritage of the Philippines, Carlos L. Apuhin and Museo BSP’s Lauro de los Santos discussed the country’s first banknotes, Pesos Fuertes, and the history of banknote printing. This lecture was held at the BPI Museum, Cebu City on November 27.
On December 6, UP Professors Dr. Ricardo Jose and Dr. Jely Galang will talk about Spanish coins “chop-marked” with Chinese characters and the rise of Binondo as a financial hub during the pre- and post-World War 2 era. This session will be at the Chinabank Museum, Manila.
The lectures are open to the academe, museum professionals, and the public. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required and slots are limited. For inquires, e-mail [email protected].
Museo BSP, a repository and custodian of the country’s numismatic heritage, opened in 1974 under Governor Gregorio S. Licaros and expanded significantly under Governor Jaime C. Laya in the 1980s. It collects valuable numismatic items and fine art to ensure they are preserved and remain accessible to the public today and future generations.
BMAP, established in 1974, aims to promote and upgrade the practice of bank marketing in the country. Along with its mission to professionalize bank marketing, BMAP also seeks to fully develop, support, and implement educational programs geared toward the advancement of the professional skills and abilities of those engaged in bank marketing.