By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In anticipation of the Philippines’ upcoming chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026, the government reaffirms its commitment towards being a role model for other member states of the 11-country bloc.
In a ceremony at Malacañang on Wednesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. presented the ASEAN 2026 Coin and Philippine Festivals Coin Series to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who hailed this initiative as cognizant of the country’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage, epitomized by various celebrations across the archipelago.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing, “Nilalayon ng mga commemorative coins na ipagbunyi at ipagmalaki sa buong mundo ang ating makulay na kultura, mga tradisyon at pagdiriwang.”
The 10-piso ASEAN coin will launch in January 2026 in commemoration of the country’s ASEAN chairship, with the aim of raising public awareness and fostering greater interest as it forges closer ties with fellow Southeast Asian nations in next year’s summit.
Meanwhile, the BSP will also launch a commemorative coin series showcasing 12 major Philippine festivals that embody the distinct local heritage, artistic traditions, and cultural identity of communities in the Philippines. The festival-themed currency bears a valuation of P100.
These are as follows:
- Sinulog Festival (Cebu City)
- Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival (Ilocos Norte)
- Kaamulan Festival (Bukidnon)
- Moriones Festival (Marinduque)
- Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon)
- Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival (Tacloban, Leyte)
- T’nalak Festival (South Cotabato)
- Kadayawan Festival (Davao City)
- Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City, Camarines Sur)
- Masskara Festival (Bacolod City)
- Higantes Festival (Angono, Rizal)
- Giant Lantern Festival (San Fernando, Pampanga)
Both will circulate as legal tender alongside existing coins from the BSP Coin Series and New Generation Currency Coin Series. (with report from Kenneth Paciente | PTV News)
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