Talarak Foundation, a conservation NGO dedicated to the preservation and restoration of endemic wildlife of Western Visayas, and based in Bacolod City, lauded the new series of banknotes featuring protected wildlife across the archipelago.
“We are so proud to have several Visayan endemic species represented, such as the Visayan Spotted Deer and Visayan Leopard Cat, as well as our Philippine endemic Blue Naped Parrot, and the Palawan endemic Palawan Peacock Pheasant,” the group said in a post after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas launched the New Polymer Banknote Series.
The new polymer denominations of P500, P100, and P50 were made available in limited quantities in Manila starting Dec. 23, and the rest of the country thereafter. The BSP said the new denominations may initially be withdrawn over-the-counter in banks, and will also be available through automated teller machines (ATMs).
The BSP said “the polymer series raises awareness of the country’s threatened species, serves as a symbol of Filipino identity, and fosters national pride.”
Polymer banknotes are smarter, cleaner, and stronger. Smarter because they have advanced anti-counterfeiting features and a smaller carbon footprint. Cleaner because viruses and bacteria do not survive as long on polymer than on paper. Stronger because polymer banknotes have a longer lifespan than their paper counterparts, it added.
“We at Talarak are delighted with the new series of bank notes…designed to highlight the endemic and wonderful wildlife of the Philippines with every transaction,” the NGO said. “If you want to see these species in-person, just come down to Negros Forest Park at South Capitol Road in Bacolod City.” | BSP photo
