MANILA – The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) issued stamps and official first-day covers in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Saturday.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office submitted the design of the stamps to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideas, and deeds of war veterans.
The stamps also aim to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth, according to a news release.
The layout of the stamps was further improved by PHLPost in-house graphic artist Ryman Dominic Albuladora.
A total of 40,000 copies were printed, to be sold at PHP12 each, and 5,400 official first-day covers to be sold to stamp collectors.
“It is our hope that we continue to ignite our sense of nationalism and cultivate unity in the country as we face the challenges of the future” Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.
Filipino and American forces defended Bataan from the invasion of the Imperial Japanese Army starting on Jan. 7, 1942 until they surrendered on April 9 (Fall of Bataan) and eventually led to the Bataan Death March.
National shrines have been erected to memorialize the bravery of the Filipino and American forces, like the Dambana ng Kagitingan or the Shrine of Valor at Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan which was depicted in the commemorative stamps.
Stamps and official first-day covers are available at The Philatelic Counter of the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio.
For inquiries, call (02) 8527-0108 or (02) 8527-0132 and follow and like Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/. (PR)