The City Government of Bago, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), unveiled on Tuesday another set of commemorative stamps, this time, featuring four distinguished sons of Bago, a press release from Bago PIO said.
These “Great Men of Bago” postage stamps will be the first of the 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.
“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.
Postmaster Carlos, along with PHLPost Area Director Dr. Donabel Asuncion, also presented to Mayor Yulo and Vice Mayor 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.
Mayor Yulo is upbeat that this collaboration will further promote Bago City as the “Home of Historical and Natural Treasures.”
Through these postage stamps, Mayor Yulo said, the city government honors and commemorates the legacy and service that these sons of Bago have instilled in every Bagonhon.
“In Bago, it is always known that we stand in the shoulders of the giants,” he said, hoping that “we can continue to uphold their contributions in nations building by embodying their courage and love for our country, and that their enduring significance continues to inspire generations of Bagonhons.”
For Vice Mayor Torres, times have already changed but what these four illustrious Bagonhons have done to the city will be etched in the hearts and minds of the people.
“For the future generation, they must also be remembered,” he said, urging his fellow officials and descendants to keep the tradition and be good examples of their visionary predecessors.
Postmaster Carlos, for his part, said the personalized stamps honor the “Great Men of Bago” whose lives and works remain alive and source of inspiration for all Bagonhons.
He also assured that the PHLPost will continue to collaborate and support Bago, especially for the progress of the city and its people.
Moreover, the launch 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.”
Also present were Bago City First Lady Jeanne Louise “Jarie” Yulo, other PHLPost officials and personnel, city hall department and office heads, students, and other guests.*
