Philpost offers workshop on philately this summer

The Philippine Postal Corporation-7 is offering a summer workshop to those interested in philately or the collection and study of postage stamps and related materials, this according to Philpost information officer Josephine Layco.

Layco said it is the purpose of the workshop to instill among the youth the significance of philately in our society.

The workshop will be on April 26 to 28 for ages 8 to 12 years old; while May 3 to 5 will be for the junior stamp collectors scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

She also said that other sessions, on three successive Saturdays, are scheduled for office workers. These sessions will be on April 29, May 6 and May 13 at 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lecture will cover the history of stamps and the basics of stamp collecting, mounting and preservation.

Meanwhile, the Philpost and the Universal Postal Union based in Berne, Switzerland recently launched the 35th International Letter Writing Competition for young people to promote better understanding around the world through postal service.

In cooperation with the Department of Education, the competition focuses on the theme: " I am writing to tell you how the postal service helps me connect with the world."

The 1st prize winning entry on the national level will automatically qualify for the UPU international letter writing competition that will be held in Switzerland. Postmaster General Dario Rama said that the contest is open to students or out-of-school youths who are citizens of the Philippines and not more than fifteen years old.

It is specified in the guidelines that compositions must be recent and original letter in English or Filipino between 500 to 1000 words in length, typewritten or handwritten. And that on a separate sheet of paper, the participant must indicate the number of words of the letter composition, complete name and address, gender, age and date of birth, with 2x2 colored ID picture, name of school and address, grade level and contact numbers. All entries were required to be submitted via postal mail only (express or registered mail) not later than March 31. - Jasmin R. Uy