PhlPost launches first 3D stamp featuring Year of the Horse

MANILA, Philippines - The first three-dimensional (3D), gold-foiled, embossed stamp featuring the Year of the Horse was released yesterday by the Philippine Postal Corp. (PhlPost) in time for the start of the Chinese New Year.

PhlPost Postmaster General Ma. Josefina de la Cruz said the latest stamp is rare in the world.

De la Cruz said while some countries have issued gold-foiled stamps and others released embossed stamps, a stamp that combines both features is something new.

She said the innovations at the PhlPost aim to renew interest in the philatelic market.

“It is saddening that stamps have not been lately recognized. We have to show that Filipinos are skilled in any field. The stamp shows the history and culture of a country. While this is a Chinese New Year we still feel that we could still use this as a vehicle to showcase the Filipino skills and talents,” De la Cruz said.

At least 7,000 pieces of the new stamp were printed. It was locally designed but printed in Thailand.

The new stamp measures 140 mm x 96 mm. The sizes of the animals printed on it signify the Year of the Snake of 2013 (40 mm x 30 mm), the Year of the Horse of 2014 (51 mm x 40.5 mm) and the Year of Goat for 2015 (40 mm x 30 mm).

De la Cruz said this year they would introduce unique stamps such as the scented stamp of former President Cory Aquino to commemorate her 5th death anniversary on Aug. 1.

They will be using textile for the national heritage stamp and sand for the watchtower stamp.