On polymer banknotes

In April 2022, Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released a new banknote with smarter, cleaner, and stronger features. It is smarter because it is more secure and sustainable. It is cleaner because it is more hygienic and sanitary. It is stronger because it is durable and cost-effective than paper banknotes.

The P1,000 bills are made of polymer materials. Polymer banknotes are made from a synthetic polymer such as biaxially oriented polypropylene. Such banknotes incorporate many security features not available in paper banknotes, including the use of metameric inks.

However, along with the new bill, BSP issued strict guidelines on how to handle the money with extra care. These new rules dismayed and confused many people --rich and poor. Ordinary citizens feel they are deprived of the rights and freedom to keep money at their convenience and disposal.

The country is in a tropical region. We expect a wet and warm weather environment with harmful effects on the physical features of the bill. These natural elements can ruin anything under the sun.

Some unnatural factors may also affect the physical aspect of the bill. How do you expect the fish vendors in the wet market to handle the money? Or the bus conductor in the mobile and dynamic environment?

Perhaps the fish vendors and bus conductors need large wallets to secure the new bills without folding or crumpling them. How about the men, do they need to buy non-folding wallets to keep the money safe like the women do?

In the cockpit arena, gamblers haphazardly wage money in different tempers and moods. Now they need to be reminded to be extra careful of the physical value of the money besides the actual amount to bet.

Polymer banknotes may be tough, but these banknotes also need to be valued and handled with care. Here are the DOs and DON’Ts in handling polymer banknotes:

Keep them flat - Place your polymer banknotes in wallets where they fit properly. If banknotes become crumpled or creased, apply pressure, or flatten them with your hands.

Keep them clean - Soiled or dirty polymer banknotes may be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Their surface may also be cleaned with alcohol-based sanitizers --just wipe them dry with a towel or piece of cloth.

Do not tear, cut, or poke holes in polymer banknotes - Do not staple polymer banknotes or use rubber bands to keep them together. You may use paper bands instead. Do not damage the clear windows, metallic features, and other security features of polymer banknotes. Do not iron polymer banknotes. Do not expose polymer banknotes to very high temperatures or place them near an open flame. Do not expose polymer banknotes to strong or corrosive chemicals, such as muriatic acid or bleach.

We need to handle money with extra care. Money is hard to earn but easy to spend. In our dynamic culture and society, self-discipline and responsibility are the keys to progress and prosperity.