Philippine Post to issue stamps featuring Quirino

MANILA, Philippines - In observance of National Teachers’ Month, the Philippine Postal Corp. (PhlPost) will issue tomorrow a stamp that features former President Elpidio Quirino, who was once a barrio teacher.

Postmaster General Ma. Josefina dela Cruz said the commemorative stamp could inspire those in the teaching profession as Quirino, who became the country’s sixth president, used to be a barrio teacher in his native Caoayan town in Ilocos Sur.

The commemorative stamp was issued in line with President Aquino’s directive declaring every Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 as National Teacher’s Month.

While the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Oct. 5 of every year as World Teachers’ Day.

Dela Cruz said the stamp is a way of honoring teachers, who are considered by many as secondary parents, because they help mold children and turn them into future leaders and positive contributors to society.

“If every teacher in the country, all together in one day, creates an inspiring moment that truly affects a child’s long term view (of the world), imagine what good that would do to the moral, ethical and service orientation of our country,” Dela Cruz also said.

The PhlPost printed 300,000 pieces of the commemorative stamp that would be sold at P15 a piece and would be made available until Sept. 4 next year or until supplies last.