The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launched new stamps and souvenir sheets featuring โDogs from Philippine Historyโ in line with the celebration of the 256th founding anniversary of the postal service and National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM) held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on November 14, 2023.
Chairman Victorino Manalo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Postmaster General Luis Carlos, Director Cristina Caringal, Member, PHLPost Board of Directors, Ms. Hannah Carinna T. Sy, Assistant Vice President, Special Events, SM Supermalls, Dr. Francis Navarro, President, Philippine Historical Association and Book Author Ian Christopher B. Alfonso unveiled the historic dog stamps.
The โDogs in Philippine History Special Stamps” was inspired by the book โDogs in Philippine Historyโ, authored by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso. PHLPostโs have utilized the book in designing these beautiful stamps which are expected to be appreciated by Dog and History lovers.
โThe stamps awaken our understanding and treatment of dogs as it unfolds with the history of our countryโ, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said.
The following were the featured historic dogs:
1.ย Usmanย – one of the notable pets of young Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna.
2.ย Moltke and Bravoย – the Dalmatians of hero Marcelo โPlaridelโ H. del Pilar in Bulacan, Bulacan.
3. Like Hatchiko of Japan,ย Tigreย faithfully followed his master, Don Tiburcio Hilario, to the latterโs tomb in Bacolor Catholic Cemetery in Pampanga.
4.ย Castelarย – a small Aspin in Tacloban, caught the attention of an American soldier, William Baker, during the Philippine-American War.
5.ย Torpeย – a noted Aspin of Don Tranquilino Ruiz, led the Cebuano migrants to Glan, Cotabato (now part of the Sarangani Province) in 1914.
6. A female Yorkshire Terrier,ย Smokyย was adopted by an American soldier William Wynne, in New Guinea in 1944. The two joined the Liberation forces in January 1945 and
landed in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
7.ย Saver, a bright, iconic Aspin who figured in television and films from the 1990s to the early 2000s. A โWander Dogโ that elevated the dignity of the Aspins. He was previously featured in the souvenir sheet of the 2010 Dogs of the World stamps of PHLPost.
8. Lastly,ย Kabang, a rescued female Aspin-crossed German Shepherd, reportedly saved two kids in Zamboanga City from a vehicular accident in 2011, resulting in the loss of her snout.
โThese historic dogs have left their paw prints on different chapters of our history. Their stories are a testament to the deep connection between humans and dogs, showcasing bravery and loyalty and the unique roles these furry friends have played in our livesโ, Carlos said.ย
According to PMG Carlos,โ the “Philippine Historic Dogs” collection will be a source of joy for stamp collectors and a reminder of the enduring love and connection between humans and dogsโ.
He added, โThese brave and loyal dogs featured in the stamps give us a wider view and understanding of our history and culture, and in fostering love and care for animals, especially dogs which are considered โmanโs best friend.โ