Text, e-mail outshine use of postal services

The volume of personal mails coursed through the Philippine Postal Corporation has decreased by 40 percent recently because of available technology in the form of electronic mails and short message services.

“Though there is no data immediately available on this, but by way of observation, the number of people sending personal thoughts through the snail mail is getting lesser and lesser,” Philpost-7 information officer Josephine Layco noted.

“Much faster means like text messaging and e-mail are now dominating the country’s communication system,” she added. And though the volume of business mails has increased as Philpost is the only agency that offers affordable rates, this has also been affected by the availability of text messaging and e-mails, Layco again noted.

During Christmas and Valentine’s Day, Philpost expects mail volume to increase by at least 20 percent, Layco said.

“However, this mode has also been declining through the years because text messaging and e-mail have become popular among Filipinos, especially the youth,” she added.

“It’s sad to note that people have slowly detached from cards and letters when sending items like these through the post is certainly the best way to express one’s love. Unlike text and e-mail messages, cards and letters could be kept for a longer time,” Layco said.

To lure back the public into sending their Valentine’s cards and letters through the mail, Philpost-Central Visayas mailmen will play Cupid as they deliver chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day.

“We will not only deliver cards or letters. The public can ask us to send flowers and chocolates to their loved ones for a minimal fee,” she said.

“For those who would avail of our services, we promise to make their Valentine’s Day most memorable and assure that we deliver their packages on time,” she added. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV