PhlPost to release stamps made of silk in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Postal Corp. (PhlPost) plans to come out next year with stamps that feature silk-made and money-like textures, a first for the post office.

During yesterday’s 2016 Philippine Stamp Calendar, Postmaster General Ma. Josefina de la Cruz announced some of the stamps lined up for next year.

“While Thailand has already some silk stamps, this is the first time that we would be doing our stamp made of silk. The printers have limitations. The silk stamp would be done abroad, most probably in Thailand because they have more experience,” said De la Cruz.

They are planning to use silk for their Philippine ternos by Ramon Valera stamps. Valera is known for his elegant creations and ternos. He was recognized as the first National Artist for Fashion in 2006.

The silk stamps would be released sometime in May 2016.

PhlPost would also be coming out with another tactile-enhanced stamp, the Christmas stamp for 2016. They would be using the intaglio, a type of printing where the design is engraved into the material.

Philatelists could also look forward to another scented stamp of a rose for Valentine’s Day; 3D embossing spot lamination for the subject Philippine Treasures from the Collection of the Ayala Museum in the month of August; and New Year stamp for 2017 featuring the Year of the Rooster that would make use of gold foil and 3D embossing.

They have also coordinated with the International Olympic Committee and paid royalty fees to issue limited edition, special circular stamps of the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics 2016 in Brazil.

Images of sports where the Philippines would compete in would be featured, namely shooting, gymnastics, arnis, boxing and archery.

As part of tradition, the post office would also feature in one of its stamps the 16th president of the country, whoever wins the elections in May. The stamp will be issued in June, by the start of the next leader’s term.

Yesterday, the agency also launched the seven designs for its Pasko (Christmas) stamps for this year featuring the work of seven artists with autism, mental retardation and Down syndrome, from the Bridges Foundation.

De la Cruz admitted that seeing the artists at yesterday’s event was “a reminder to me of God’s continuing providence for mankind.”

She said despite their physical limitations, there’s great talent in the art work.

“I think the stamps, in itself, is regular/ordinary but because of the artistic work done by these kids, it has an added value,” she said.

She also said that she would propose to the PhlPost Board that part of the sales of their Pasko stamps be given to the Bridges Foundation.

Aside from the stamps, PhlPost could also utilize the artwork of these mentally challenged but artistically inclined persons for their postcards.

De la Cruz also proudly announced that since they started being creative with their stamps a few years ago, their philatelic sales have skyrocketed.