Dr. Donabel Asuncion, PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos, Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres (l-r) at the unveiling of the commemorative stamps*
The Bago City government, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), unveiled commemorative stamps featuring four distinguished sons of Bago on Tuesday, March 4.
These “Great Men of Bago” postage stamps will be the first of a series to be released by the local government with PHLPost mainly to pay tribute and give honor to the legacies of its illustrious residents.
The commemorative stamps feature Juan Araneta, the hero of the Negros Revolution who led the liberation of the island from Spanish oppressors; Ramon Torres, the first secretary of labor and author of the eight-hour labor law; Rafael Salas, the first head of the United Nations Population Fund; and Arsenio Yulo Jr., the first head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
For the city government, these sons of Bago did not only make a name for themselves, but their talent, courage and tenacity have brought honor to their hometown and country as well, a press release from Bago City said.
“They have become a symbol of pride or an icon that has served as an inspiration to generations of Bagonhon who came even after them,” it said.
The local government added that “the commemorative stamp for Bago was designed and produced to immortalize the impact left by these notable Bagonhons and their contributions to the city’s history and proud heritage.”
In 2016, the city government and PHLPost first collaborated for the successful release of the 50th Charter Anniversary stamps.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, who are both descendants of the four honorees, with PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos led the unveiling rites at the Bago City Community Center.
They were joined by some of the descendants of the four “Great Men of Bago”, including councilors Ma. Josefa Matti and Jake Patrick Torres.
Carlos, along with PHLPost Area Director Donabel Asuncion, also presented to Yulo and Torres the first day cover and stamps.
Following the launching, the PHLPost released limited sheets with a total of 1,300 postage stamps at P150 per sheet, and 2,300 commemorative covers.
Yulo is upbeat that this collaboration will further promote Bago City as the “Home of Historical and Natural Treasures.”
Through these postage stamps, Yulo said, the city government honors and commemorates the legacy and service that these sons of Bago have instilled in every Bagonhon.
The launching of the commemorative stamps formed part of the city’s 50th Charter Anniversary celebration themed “Celebrating 50 Years of Strength and Prosperity: Surmounting Challenges, Cultivating Hope”.*