MANILA, Philippines — Postcards and commemorative stamps featuring Philippine destinations, festivals and cultural heritage are among the souvenirs available to international media delegates covering the 49th ASEAN Summit.
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has set up a service station at the International Media Center (IMC)'s The Tent at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, where delegates can purchase Philippine-themed postcards and stamps, as well as send mail.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) also offers free travel postcards featuring selected examples of the Philippines’ tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as tourism destinations that also give delegates a glimpse of the country's tourism offerings.
The station, which opened November 11, will be operational until November 17 to give delegates a chance to browse the collections and avail of postal services during the summit.
As of Sunday, November 15, the DOT reported that the PHLPost station delivered postal services amounting to P32,010.
Among the featured stamp collections are the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship 2026 stamp, a commemorative issue marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN Fruits series.
The initiative is part of a partnership between the DOT and PHLPost, formalized on November 4 through an agreement signed by Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Maximo Sta. Maria III.
“These postcards and stamps are our invitation to the world. We hope to share not only the beauty of our destinations but also the stories, traditions, and cultural identity that make the Philippines truly loved by many,” Angara-Mathay said.
Sta. Maria III, on the other hand, said the initiative highlights the continuing relevance of traditional postal services in an increasingly digital world.
“Postcards and stamps tell stories, capture experiences, and connect people, places, and cultures. More importantly, they give our international guests something tangible to remember their time in the Philippines,” he said.