Marcos leads launch of commemorative coin set for 125th anniversary of PH independence

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday led the launch of the commemorative coin set for the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood (APIN).

The launch was held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace. Also in attendance was BSP Governor Felipe Medalla.

In his message, Marcos underscored the significance of the coin set, noting that the "establishment of a formal currency by any country is part of the definition of being a sovereign nation."

"We have to see it not just a very very nice souvenir but really a commemoration of the creation of the Republic of the Philippines," Marcos said.

The President mentioned that the creation of the coin set was made possible through the use of modern technology and current best techniques being practiced in the country.

"And it’s in entirely appropriate that, I have never seen coins like these before, but we have used all the best technology, may kulay na, the angle, you change the angle which you view it and you see other things...and you made a very, very good job of it," Marcos said.

"It also reminds us how far we have come and the significance of what we have achieved in 125 years," Marcos said.

The BSP issued the coin set with 100-Piso, 20-Piso and 5-Piso denominations in commemoration of the 1898 declaration of Philippine independence (100-Piso), the birth of the country’s first Republic at the Barasoain Church (20-Piso), and the bravery of the Filipinos who fought for the country’s sovereignty during the Philippine-American War (5-Piso).

The BSP used the latest digital printing technology to develop the APIN coin set, which features the first colored, non-circulation, commemorative coins.

The BSP said it would announce via its social media channels when the APIN coin set will be for sale.

It said the coin set would be sold at the BSP Store: https://bspstore.bsp.gov.ph.

Medalla said the commemorative coin set was part of the BSP's effort to preserve the cultural heritage and promote the Filipino's pride.

"May this serve as an inspiration for us to continue efforts and work toward a better, more prosperous, and more inclusive future for all Filipinos," Medalla said in a separate speech.

Having the theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan," the National Historical Commission of the Philippines is at the forefront of the 125th APIN celebration from 2023 to 2026.

Under Administrative Order No. 8, Marcos directed the creation of a committee that will “facilitate the planning and execution of programs and projects” for the commemoration of the 125th Philippine independence anniversary. —KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News