President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the launch of the 100-peso Philippine Festival and 10-peso Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) commemorative coins in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. presented to Marcos the set of 100-peso silver coins showcasing 12 major Philippine festivals, with each coin celebrating the country’s local heritage, artistic traditions, and rich cultural heritage.
The coins feature Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival in January; Ilocos Norte’s Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival in February; Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival in March; Marinduque’s Moriones Festival in April; Lucban, Quezon’s Pahiyas Festival in May; and Tacloban, Leyte’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in June.
Also highlighted were South Cotabato’s T’nalak Festival in July; Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival in August; Naga City, Camarines Sur’s Peñafrancia Festival in September; Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival in October; Angono, Rizal’s Higantes Festival in November; and San Fernando, Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival in December.
The BSP said each coin in the series – the first of its kind – measures 38.6 millimeters, bears a PHP100 legal-tender denomination, and has a selling price of PHP5,000.
“Each coin is legal tender valued at PHP100. However, its selling price is PHP5,000 due to its precious metal content, limited mintage, and craftsmanship,” it said. “While the commemorative coins can technically be used for payments, they are non-circulating legal tender, designed primarily for collectors and enthusiasts.”
The BSP clarified that anyone may purchase the commemorative coins “as a meaningful keepsake or gift that celebrates Filipino heritage.”
It said one coin will be issued each month of 2026, coinciding with the celebration of the featured festival.
The BSP Monetary Board has approved the mintage of 3,000 pieces for each commemorative coin.
Buyers may purchase and receive the coin at the BSP Pop-up Store located in the local government units hosting the festivals during the celebration.
They may also buy the commemorative coins in person at the BSP Store one week after each festival date.
The complete 12-coin Philippine Festival series can also be pre-ordered, the BSP said, adding that further announcements will be posted on its official communication channels.
“Due to limited stocks, each customer may purchase only one piece per design,” the BSP said.
ASEAN coin
The BSP also unveiled the 10-peso ASEAN commemorative coin, which will be in circulation as legal tender starting January 2026.
The commemorative coin aims to raise public awareness of the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2026.
The BSP said the coin also seeks to foster greater interest in the country’s role as ASEAN chair.
It retained the design of the current 10-peso coin in circulation, which features Apolinario Mabini.
The reverse side bears the ASEAN 2026 official logo, representing the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
It also includes a QR code directing users to the BSP website and linking them to the Philippines’ ASEAN website.
The design bridges tradition and technology, allowing the public to access updates on the upcoming ASEAN events. (PNA)