The Relentless Rizaly

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From SM Foundation scholar to SM Prime accounting manager

Twenty years ago, high school student Rizaly Lim and her four siblings would watch in awe every time they pass by the construction of the first SM City in her hometown Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  All five children, packed in the tricycle their father rides for a living, were all excitedly looking forward to happy family weekends they would be spending at the huge mall.

Today, after graduating Summa Cum Laude through a scholarship from SM Foundation, Rizaly is now a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working as Accounting Manager for the head office of SM Prime Holdings, a leading property developer in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

From SM Foundation scholar to SM Prime accounting manager

At a young age, Rizaly was headstrong about getting her family out of poverty. She shares, “My father was the only one who worked for our family, and because we were a large family, his daily earnings as a tricycle driver were never enough.”

Rizaly finished high school at the Balibago National High School as class valedictorian in 2005 and was already sending applications for other college scholarships when her teacher asked the top 10 students to go to SM City Sta. Rosa for an interview with SM Foundation.

“Sa umpisa, hindi po ako naniwala kasi bago pa lang sa amin noon ang SM City Sta. Rosa,” she recalls. She proceeded of course, driven by the one goal of finishing college and helping her family. “Gusto ko rin po makapag-aral at makapagtapos noon. Maka-work at makatulong sa family.”

A few exams and interviews later, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) went to visit her and her family at home to inform them that she will be receiving a full scholarship with monthly allowance until she finishes her course.

In 2010, Rizaly graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy. She went on to pass the Philippine CPA Board Exams on first try in October 2010. The assistance of SMFI, she said, went beyond tuition and allowances. “With full scholarship grants and monthly allowances, as well as the opportunity to work at SM Store during our summer and Christmas vacations, the SMFI scholarship has enabled me to help my family financially.”

 

“I am the master of my fate”

While other parents were buying their college kids the latest Nokia phone back in the summers of 2000’s, Rizaly’s father gave her and her siblings weekly assignments to accomplish during the summer vacation. “Our late father instilled in us the love of reading and the value of studying,” she shared. “During summer, he would assign us English words and their meanings to memorize and asked us to recite these to him.“

Then there's the memorization of motivational poems and speeches, one of which stuck with her for life: “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” She shared that this last stanza of “Invictus” by W.E. Henley had kept her motivated to look past the limitations of her circumstances and focus on her personal goals.

 

Career at SM

SM Foundation was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy as the heart of the SM group. It has established programs that are focused on nurturing and caring for underserved communities where SM is present. It supports and empowers host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, sustainable agriculture, and care for persons with special needs.

To date, SM Foundation has assisted more than 8,000 college and technical/vocational students, and has donated over 100 school buildings with a total of 334 classrooms built across the country.

Nurturing the graduates extends beyond the classroom as SM Foundation also provides job opportunities across the different companies of the SM group. The foundation organizes a Career Fair specifically designed for its scholars.

From the Career Fair organized by SM Foundation, Rizaly was able to get job offers from three companies – among which was SM Prime Holdings, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia that offers innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities with the development of malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers. It is also the largest, in terms of asset, in the Philippines.

 

I still want to level up

“I haven't accomplished much yet, but I value what I have already accomplished and received so far,” said Rizaly, referring to the highest honors she has received in high school and college, becoming a CPA, and being promoted to manager in within only a few years of her work at SM Prime.  “These are just a few of the accomplishments for which I will be eternally grateful. I'm also proud of my daily achievements at work, such as fulfilling particular duties assigned to me. They make me happy and proud of myself, and they inspire me to do better.”

 “Ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang, nagagawa ko na ngayon,” Rizaly said as she related how she has been able to travel to Taiwan for vacation and do the tri-city tour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But her biggest dreams, she said, remain centered on her family: to provide better for her family by sharing with them what she has now. “Nothing is simple. Nothing is easy. Hindi ko naman to straight line lang na na-achieve. Life is full of challenges. Just stay strong, keep the faith and always give your best effort.”

UN-Awarded ASEAN Science Diplomat Welcomes Pres. Marcos’ Science Initiatives

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What follows is the official statement of UN Sasakawa Laureate, ASEAN Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, on the occasion of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s inauguration as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines and the latter’s underscoring of science initiatives in his inaugural address to the nation.

On behalf of my colleagues in the science diplomacy corps and in the climate change and disaster risk reduction and management communities, I congratulate President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on the occasion of his inauguration as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Mr. President, we welcome and take up your call to address the looming crises of climate change that perpetually cast their long shadow on the nation’s future.

Indeed, as you rightly pointed out, the Philippines is one of the most at-risk nations to climate change in the world. And even as the country struggles with sustaining and protecting itself in the face of global upheaval, so too do we also wrestle with the need to develop sustainable production systems and an eco-friendly economy for our people. Thankfully, we are not alone in this ambition: the Philippines and the rest of our fellow member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) thus drafted the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2016-2025. This far-reaching plan underscores the importance of public-private collaboration, talent mobility, people-to-people connectivity, inclusiveness, enterprise support, public awareness, and STI enculturation as cornerstones for sustainable growth both within and between our brethren nations.

Mr. President, we thank you for echoing this international call for cooperation and unity in your inaugural address, and we stand ready to serve the Philippines under your stewardship. In particular, we at the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute (ECCRI) have committed ourselves entirely to the pursuit and achievement of the APASTI and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we are grateful to the new administration for giving these ideals their long-overdue acknowledgement and prioritization.

As a science diplomat, I have always believed that science and government policy are as paramount as they are inseparable; I remain focused on bringing these to the poorest communities and most marginalized sectors of our country. To this end, the ECCRI’s flagship program, Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service, provides cutting-edge research, training, and capacity-building to our countrymen in order to combat climate change and disaster risks. This initiative is focused particularly on food security, sustainable energy, water sufficiency, human security, ecological and environmental stability, knowledge management and capacity development, and climate-smart infrastructures and services, climate and sustainable financing programs—all of which were touched on, directly or incidentally, in the President’s inaugural speech.

No less than the United Nations has acknowledged and honored our efforts, via its prestigious Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2022. This prestigious global honor is bestowed on institutions, groups, and individuals that promote inclusive and resilient approaches to disaster risk reduction in line with the UN’s Sendai Framework. And while we are thankful for this accolade, we continue to believe that our greatest achievement is to serve the Filipino people through our work.

So it is that we congratulate and thank you, our President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for paving the way towards jumpstarting our nation’s climate-smart capacity, and its disaster preparedness and resiliency.

Mabuhay po tayong lahat.

In perpetual service to the Filipino People,

Sci. Dpl. Glenn S. Banaguas

Chairman, Asian (ASEAN) Science Diplomats

Chairman, US-ASEAN Fellows for Science and Technology

Climate Diplomat, EU-Asia Expert Panel for Climate Diplomacy and Environmental Security

Founder and President, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute

Executive Director, Philippine Council for Foreign Relations

UN Sasakawa Laureate

Asia Sustainability Leaders Awardee

The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate

7-Eleven treats customers with up to 50% OFF on over 200 items for its #711Day SALE-bration

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Enjoy a huge price drop on Big Bite, City Cafe, Crunch Time Chicken, and MORE from July 8 to 13


The most-awaited annual 7-Eleven SALE-bration is coming! 7-Eleven is gearing up for this year’s 7-Eleven Day with a 6-day promo-filled party from July 8 to 13 in all stores nationwide. 7-Eleven is treating customers to up to 50% OFF on over 200 items including its signature food items from Big Bite, City Cafe, and Crunch Time Chicken.

Office workers, students, loyal customers, and those residing near 7-Eleven stores, better take note! Crunch Time Chicken will start its P10 OFF promo on its 1pc. Chicken with Rice on July 6, in time for National Fried Chicken Day, until July 11.

Come 7-Eleven Day on July 11, the small size of the crowd-favorite City Cafe coffee blend is offered at half the price. This applies to all available blends: Brewed Coffee, French Vanilla, Mochaccino, Salted Caramel, and Hot Chocolate. Small Prima Americano is also available at half off. The customers’ go-to 7-Eleven snack, Big Bite Hotdog, is also at 50% off on this day. Should anyone need a quick bite or baon, then this is where to get the bang for that buck — and a delicious one at that!

From July 8 to 13, the convenience store will offer a huge price drop of up to 50% discount on snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, personal hygiene products for the face, body, and hair, and other grocery essentials.

While #711Day merits its own grand party, what makes this year’s celebration even more special is that everyone is finally able to celebrate together, in person after spending the past two years in quarantine.

Now that everyone is going back to work, back to school, and back to regular daily routines, 7-Eleven is also urging Filipinos to come back to their stores to regain the experience of shopping at their favorite neighborhood convenience store. Take this as an invitation to get back all the things and people we missed — because with 7-Eleven’s #711Day, it’s a celebration like no other!

Contactless payments through the CLiQQ app and GCash are available. Don’t miss out on 7-Eleven’s six-day celebration! Visit here for the list of the complete sale items available from July 8 to 13.


PHOTO CAPTIONS

All time favorite 7-Eleven snacks such as Big Bite, City Cafe, and Crunch Time Chicken will be offered at a discounted price during the #711Day celebration.

Get up to 50% discount on over 200 snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, personal hygiene products for the face, body, and hair, and other grocery essentials during the 7-Eleven Day celebration on July 8 to 13.

Post Office sealed agreement for online payment with DOF, Customs

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) ink a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to provide the customers a more efficient, secure, hassle free and reliable online payment system of Philippine customs duties and taxes through the Post Office website at www.phlpost.gov.ph.

The online payment system for customs duties and taxes aims to eliminate fraud in compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

The said agreement will make the process of clearing and delivery of parcels and other mail matters faster and simpler, benefitting thousands of consumers and Philippine residents who rely on the postal service to send and receive packages from abroad but also boosting the e-commerce industry for the growth of our economy.

Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero signed the agreement coinciding with the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Finance.

“For the first time, in the 75 years of being a Republic, the Post Office Digital Innovation will enhance the competitiveness of the Post Office in the local and International market”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

He added, “It is important for the public to understand that all mail and parcels may be subject to customs examination, duties, taxes and other fees”.

The Post Office has introduced the payment of customs duties and taxes through its Post Office website and mobile application launched last May 19, 2022 with no less than former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in attendance.

“This Duterte Legacy signifies the commitment and support of the Post Office especially under the new administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in serving the public who deserve no less than the best postal service by global standards”, Postmaster General Fulgencio said.
Under the agreement the Post Office and Bureau of Customs shall both have access to the systems only in relation to the corresponding input of charges of duties and taxes by the BOC personnel and for the verification of payment. A separate Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall be made in relation to collection of duties, taxes and other charges which shall form part of the agreement.

SSS-PPSC agreement to benefit nearly 200 job order, contract of service workers

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The Social Security System (SSS) said nearly 200 job order and contract of service workers will get social security coverage after SSS and the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last June 24, 2022.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Regino lauded PPSC in their effort to provide social protection to their fellow workers in the government not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). "Regardless of their employment status, workers deserve to have a basic safety net in times of contingencies through SSS membership," Regino said.


Under the MOA, PPSC’s contract of service and job order workers will be classified as self-employed members of SSS. Government contract of service and job order workers are not covered by the GSIS due to their employment status.


As a Coverage and Collection Partner, SSS authorized the PPSC to collect and remit their monthly contributions through a salary-deduction scheme under its KaltaSSS-Collect Program.


“As SSS self-employed members, they shall become entitled to social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, and death benefits. They shall also become eligible for loan programs which include salary, and calamity, among others. Likewise, they will also have additional coverage from the Employees' Compensation Program (ECP) for work-related contingencies,” Regino added.


As of May 2022, SSS has partnered with 1,261 local government units (LGUs), 398 national government agencies, 98 state universities and colleges (SUCs), and 58 local water districts covering job order and contract of service workers through the KaltaSSS-Collect Program with a total collection exceeding P2.9 billion.

In the photo, SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Group Mario Sibucao (third from left) and PPSC Vice President for Administration Retired Police Brigadier General Ferdinando Sevilla (fourth from left) showed the MOA between the two government agencies during the signing ceremony held at the PPSC’s compound in Quezon City, which was witnessed by several SSS and PPSC officials.

How To Rent A Car In The Philippines

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The Philippines have several tourist hotspots, culinary cities, and attractions that you may want to visit. Imagine being able to travel anywhere you want to go on a road trip with your family and friends without needing to call for a ride. It might be challenging to prepare everything for your trip, so we have put together a detailed guide on affordable car rental in the Philippines.




Car Rental Process

It would be best to prepare before investing your money in a rental car. For more specific information, you should first review your options of rental services available and look at the company's standards and procedures on their website.

Various car rental agencies may have different criteria. However, almost all of them will need a valid passport, a credit card, and a driver's license. Some of them could also ask for another identification card in addition to your passport, evidence of lodging payment, and other papers.

Depending on the car rental company's terms, conditions and the vehicle you will be renting, some businesses will demand a security deposit or a reservation charge.

As long as you meet the prerequisites, renting a car in the Philippines is simple. The streets might be hectic when it comes to driving, but most people will quickly grow used to it.

Requirements

You need a valid passport, a credit card, and a valid driver's license to rent a car in the Philippines.

You may use the driver's license granted by your country for 90 days as a visitor, but it must be written in English. If your driver's license is not officially translated into English, you must visit your local embassy. And if you plan to remain longer than 90 days, you must visit the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to change your license to a local version.


Here are just a few pointers for using an affordable car rental in the Philippines:

• Always have your official receipt, registration, and driver's license.
• When an orange or yellow light comes on, drive more slowly rather than faster. Avoid attempting to beat or, worse yet, run a red light.
• Don't drive after consuming alcohol.
• Always buckle your seatbelts.
• Drive only authorized cars from respectable companies.
• Try not to swerve.
• Avoid making illegal turns and parking.

Limitations and Restrictions


Age Limitations


In the Philippines, a person must be 18 years old to operate a motor vehicle. But remember that some car rental businesses have a 21-year-old minimum age requirement, so it's wise to phone and ask ahead of time.




Road Conditions and Traffic Regulations

You could occasionally come upon road construction. Use GPS navigation tools like Google Maps and Waze to replan your driving route to avoid them. Remember that since cars are operated on a left-hand drive in the Philippines, they must follow right-hand traffic.




Hands-Free Cellular Phones Usage

Avoid using your cellphone while driving since doing so is against the law under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. Use your GPS navigation app's hands-free mode.




Parking

Be aware of parking restrictions and warnings since improperly parked vehicles may result in their confiscation by authorities. To avoid leaving your car parked on the streets after your day of exploration, look for condos or hotel accommodations that include a garage or parking area.




Car Insurance

In case of any damage, rented cars in the Philippines are covered by insurance, or more specifically, the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It will protect you from damages to the vehicle, as the name implies.

Keep in mind that Collision Damage Waiver only covers bodywork damage; it does not cover damage to the engine or transmission, the windscreen, the tyres, the batteries, or the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, driving while intoxicated or recklessly damaging the vehicle is not covered.



Final Note

Overall, having an affordable car rental in the Philippines may give you total control over your trip. It will offer several conveniences so you can genuinely enjoy the time rather than stress and plan.

Utilizing automobile rentals in the Philippines enables you to travel more flexibly and spontaneously. Remember, the most memorable vacations frequently have a healthy dose of spontaneity.

Filipino superstar Piolo Pascual promotes SandBox and PLDT Global partnership in UAE

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The social media feeds of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates were recently filled with images of Philippine superstar Piolo Pascual, who visited Dubai to help promote the partnership between SandBox Middle East and PLDT Global Corporation. The popular Filipino actor was spotted making the rounds of selected supermarkets in Dubai, particularly Pinoy Mart in Jafiliya, Palengke Supermarket in Burjuman, and Philippine Supermarket in Muraqqabat – all of which are popular destinations for grocery shopping among the Filipino expat community.



The supermarket tour was held as part of an awareness campaign highlighting the new overseas Bills Payment service launched by SandBox Middle East in partnership with PLDT Global. Through the partnership, Filipinos working in the UAE can now pay for their Philippine-based utility bills, social security contributions, insurance subscriptions, and even real estate mortgages over the counter at selected supermarkets across the Emirates.



Dozens of fans gathered around each supermarket outlet as early as four hours before the scheduled visit in hopes of seeing Piolo Pascual in person. And they weren’t disappointed as the “ultimate leading man” gamely posed for photos and engaged with his fans at each stop. Rosemarie Estrada, a domestic helper based in Dubai, waited patiently for two hours and was extremely happy to have a photo with Piolo. “Ang gwapo niya talaga, at ang bait pa. Kinilig ako nung nakita ko siya,” Estrada said. (“He’s really good looking, and extremely kind. I was thrilled to see him.”)



On June 26, overseas Filipinos in Dubai and neighboring areas can visit the PLDT Global booth at the Dubai World Trade Center and avail of exclusive offers for the “Kalayaan 2022,” a gathering celebrating the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Independence.

DOTr to focus on transforming PH transport industry

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The Philippines transportation system will be transformed and elevated into global standards as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos will focus its efforts on moving passengers and goods, newly-minted Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Friday, 01 July 2022.

During the DOTr’s turnover of leadership at the DOTr Clark Offices in Pampanga, Secretary Bautista said the newly-minted DOTr administration will ensure to provide “accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe transport service throughout the country” through the use of the country’s transport systems.

“As discussed during my initial meeting with President Bongbong, we will transform the Philippine transport industry and elevate it to global standards,” Secretary Bautista stressed.

“We should focus our efforts at moving passengers and goods that use our roads, airports, seaports, and railways,” he added.

Secretary Bautista likewise vowed to continue the Build, Build, Build Program of the previous administration.

“I would like to assure Secretary Art [Tugade] that we will seriously consider continuing the various programs implemented under [former] President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build Initiative,” Secretary Bautista said.

“We do not need to reinvent the wheel. These big-ticket projects truly deserve continuity to struck the maximum benefits for the Filipino people,” he added.

In successfully performing his duties as the DOTr’s head, Secretary Bautista sought the help of all the DOTr’s officials and employees in addressing various issues concerning the transportation sector.

“As a newcomer to this office, I anticipate the usual hesitation to any changes in the way you do things. I promise to listen to your suggestions. I have always been a good listener,” he said, addressing DOTr officials and employees.

“I will not pretend to have all the solutions. With many daunting tasks ahead of us, I ask for your help in making this administration succeed in solving the seemingly insurmountable transport concerns of Filipinos,” he added.

While honored to assume the top post of the DOTr, Secretary Bautista said he is keen on making a difference at the agency.

“We will surely be under scrutiny if we can deliver. My confidence is derived from my own experience at overcoming far pernicious issues that allowed us to sharpen our perspective at attacking contentious problems,” he said.

Quick and easy cheeseburger sliders recipe for budding chefs

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Don’t know your way around the kitchen?

This quick-and-easy Cheeseburger Sliders recipe will unearth the chef in you

Food is a universal language. It transcends time, cultures, and borders. It speaks volumes about love, kindness, gratitude, and empathy. Without fail, it brings people together and gives us life in more ways than we can imagine.

When it comes to cooking, though, not many people are gifted. Couple that up with the demands of a fast-paced urban lifestyle, and more often than not, learning the joyous art of cooking often ends up taking the backseat.

Lucky for you, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) brings The Good Eats — a series of easy-to-do and easy-to-follow recipes that helps food enthusiasts of little to no cooking experience find their way around the kitchen.

First up on their premiere episode are Cheeseburger Sliders, especially made for bachelors and gents alike. Whether you’re on for a date night with someone special, or you’re hosting a weekend party with the gang, this recipe will, without a doubt, get you all the compliments you deserve. After all, what’s manlier than juicy, perfectly seared patties, elegantly tucked in crisp slices of cheese?

Setting the scene for the bachelor edition of The Good Eats is Air Residences in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

With sleek interiors, streamlined architecture, first-class amenities, and an enviable aura of success and influence, nothing says ‘tasteful’ like an Air Residences address.

Secret’s out! Only on The Official SMDC Youtube Channel

PH Post Office released new stamps to celebrate Department of Finance 125th Anniversary

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) released new commemorative stamps to mark the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Finance.

The launching and unveiling of the historic stamp underscore the vital role of the Department of Finance not only in ensuring sound fiscal policy for the government, but also for the responsible management of government resources to provide the Filipino people with infrastructure, education, health and other basic services.

“The Post Office appreciates and fully supports the crucial role of the Department of Finance to the economic condition of the country. We have paid its dividend arrears from 2004 to 2014 in the amount of Php 312,532,210 to the Department of Finance and remain updated to date as of 2021”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

Founded on 24 April 1897, by the Philippine Revolutionary Government, the Department of Finance has undergone various structural and functional overhauls but it has remained a key department of government that promotes public welfare and accelerates economic growth and stability of the nation.

The stamps feature the beautiful façade of the modern DOF Building on Roxas Boulevard, reflected on it is a busy skyline and on the upper left, the Philippine peso; both come to represent the growth and lively progression of the economy. The 125th anniversary seal is affixed on the lower left and this year’s theme spans the lower right of the stamp.

This year’s theme: “Celebrating a Proud History-Building a Solid Future”, reignites our sense of patriotism especially among the young people, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philippine economy and society.

‘Ang Selyo o Postage Stamps na atin pong inilunsad ay may mahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa ating buhay at sa buhay ng ating bansa dahil ito po ay simbulo ng ating tagumpay at pag-unlad”, Postmaster General Fulgencio said.

The Post Office has printed 40,000 copies of the stamps at 12 pesos each. In house graphic artist Eunice Beatrix Dabu layout the stamp.

Stamps and Official First Day Covers are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, please call 8527-01-08 or 8527-01-32 or follow/like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.