51st IEC stamps now ready

CEBU, Philippines - Commemorative postal stamps on the 51st International Eucharistic Congress are now available.

The Philippine Postal Corporation said the stamps are available at its Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila and other post offices nationwide since January 8.

PHLPost has commissioned Amstar Co. to print 104,000 copies of the IEC stamps, which is being sold at P15 each, exclusive of 12 percent value added tax.

In a statement, PPC-Central and Eastern Visayas Postal Area Director Raul Buensalida said presentation packs at P100 are also available on a per order basis.

The stamp’s design illustrates the official logo of the IEC, an event aimed at promoting awareness about the central role of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church.

 Buensalida said PHLPost has issued IEC stamps in celebration of the international event to be held in Cebu City on January 24 to 31.

Every four years, the Catholic faithful from around the world are invited to gather together to reflect and celebrate the great mystery of the Eucharist, and to promote awareness of the central role the Eucharist play in the life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church.

The 51st Congress, with the theme “Christ in you, our hope of glory,” is expected to draw 15,000 delegates from all over the world.

It can be recalled that PHLPost also issued a commemorative stamp when Pope Francis came to visit the Philippines last January.

The Pope Francis visit stamps, featuring images of the Argentine pontiff, were reportedly the best sellers, followed by the Pope John Paul II canonization stamp released in April 2014.

PHLPost printed 120,000 copies of the limited edition papal visit stamps led to record sales, outselling other commemorative stamps. — (FREEMAN)