Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippines' central monetary authority, has launched the first Philippine Polymer Banknote Series.
According to BSP, the new, polymer-made banknotes are “smarter, cleaner, and stronger” than the previous version, as they are equipped with “more sophisticated security features, have a smooth and non-absorptive surface, and are more durable than the paper banknotes.”
In a ceremony held in Malacañang on Dec. 19, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that the polymer banknote series can last up to seven and a half years, five times longer than the paper bills.
BSP also switched the design of the polymer bills to focus more on protected wildlife across the archipelago, contrary to the paper banknotes’ national heroes-centered layout. This move, according to the bank, is to “remind Filipinos of their role as responsible stewards of the country’s natural resources.”
The bank, however, also preserved some notable elements from the paper banknotes. Below are design highlights of each polymer banknote denomination:
- P1,000 - Philippine eagle and sampaguita flower, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, South Sea pearl, and the T’nalak weave design
- P500 - Visayan spotted deer and Acanthephippium mantinianum, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, blue-naped parrot, and Southern Philippine weave design
- P100 - Palawan peacock-pheasant and Ceratocentron fesselii, Mayon Volcano, whale shark, and Bicol Region weave design
- P50 - Visayan leopard cat and Vidal’s lanutan, Taal Lake, native maliputo fish, and Batangas embroidery design
In a separate press conference last Dec. 20, BSP encouraged the public to get to know the polymer banknote series. “The BSP encourages everyone to get to know the new banknote series — including consumers, cash handlers in banks and other financial institutions, retail stores, public transport operators, and other businesses involved in financial transactions,” said BSP Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim.
The bank also clarified that while the new polymer banknotes will be rolled out, the paper banknotes will remain in circulation.
This type of banknote was first introduced in the country in April 2022 with the launch of the P1,000-peso polymer bill.
Explore the Philippines’ first Philippine Polymer Banknote Series via BSP’s website.
