1. The Philippine Postal Corporation, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC),  invites all manufacturers, suppliers or distributors to bid for the hereunder project:

Name of Project : Re-bidding for the Procurement of 1,600,000 Pieces of Tin Seals

Brief Description : With flip flap security lock, with PPC lettering mark, with serial number size: 2mm, serialized mild steel, plated with tin

ABC : Php 1,968,800.00

Location : Philippine Postal Corporation, Central Office Main Building, Liwasang Bonifacio

2. Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project.  The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Philippine Postal Corporation, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from May 16, 2012 to June 6, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from May 16, 2012 to June 6, 2012 at the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of P3,937.60.

5. The Philippine Postal Corporation will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on May 23, 2012 at 10:30 A.M., Business Operations Center, 3^rd Floor, PPC Main Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila, which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the bidding documents.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Bidding Documents.

The deadline for submission and receipt of bids is on June 6, 2012 until 9:30 A.M., while the opening of bids shall be held on the same date at 1:00 P.M., Business Operations Center, 3^rd Floor, PPC Main Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila.  Late bids shall not be accepted by the BAC.

6. The Philippine Postal Corporation reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

7. For further information, please refer to:

PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION

ENGR. MAMA S. LALANTO, Al Haj

Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)

Thru:

Atty. Joselito B. Gonzales

Head, BAC Secretariat

3^rd Flr. Mezzanine, PPC Main Bldg.

Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila

Tel. No. (02) 527-3824

(SGD) ENGR. MAMA S. LALANTO, Al Haj

BAC Chairman

Re-bidding for the Procurement of Services for the Carriage of Mails (International by Air)

1. The Philippine Postal Corporation, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC),  invites all airline companies, cargo forwarders, airline accredited cargo sales agents and postal operator’s transport affiliates to bid for the Carriage of Mails (International by Air) with the following information:

2. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

3. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Bids and Awards     Committee (BAC), Philippine Postal Corporation, and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from May 16, 2012 to June 6, 2012 from 8:30 AM to    4:30 PM.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on May 16, 2012 to June 6, 2012 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount as specified above.

All bidders who have initially responded to the invitation to bid and purchased the bidding documents in the previous bidding are allowed to submit new bids for the same routes/destinations (if still available) without paying the bidding documents fee.  However, all previous bidders are required to pay the corresponding amount of bidding documents for this project if they will participate in the routes/destinations they have not yet bidded in the previous bidding.

4. The Philippine Postal Corporation will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on May 23, 2012 at 10:00 A.M., Business Operations Center, 3^rd Floor, PPC Main Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila, which shall be open to all interested parties who have purchase the bidding documents.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

The deadline for submission and receipt of bids is on June 6, 2012 until 9:30 A.M., while the opening of bids shall be held on the same date at 10:00 A.M., Business Operations Center, 3^rd Floor, PPC Main Building, Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila.  Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.  Late bids shall not be accepted by the BAC.

5. Bid price will be in SDR with peso equivalent indicated therein the conversion rates at  1 SDR is equal to 1.54941 US Dollar, and 1 US Dollar is equal to Php 42.35.

6. PHLPOST will be guided by the following, whichever is lowest: a) UPU guiding rate; b) existing discounted rates; c) the service provider’s rates.

7. Each route/destination will be evaluated and compared with other Bids separately and recommended for contract award separately.

8. The Philippine Postal Corporation reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9. For further information, please refer to:

ENGR. MAMA S. LALANTO, Al Haj

Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)

Thru:

Atty. Joselito B. Gonzales

Head, BAC Secretariat

3^rd Flr. Mezzanine, PPC Main Bldg.,

Liwasang Bonifacio, 1000 Manila. Tel. No. 5273824                            

(SGD.) ENGR. MAMA S. LALANTO, Al Haj

BAC Chairman

The Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) honors the gallantry of the Filipino and American soldiers when they demonstrated their unending patriotism and fought during the World War II. It is also for those men and women who sacrifice their lives for democracy, freedom and peace during this era. Filipinos commemorate on April 9 of each year at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan.

Bataan Peninsula was an ideal defensive stand against the invading forces during the Second World War. Preserving it was crucial in preventing the enemies to seize Manila Bay, the finest natural harbor in the Far East. From all corners of the Philippines came youthful and brave soldiers and guerillas to make their courageous stand against an implacable enemy that had marched through Asia. Bataan was witness to how these bold soldiers fought relentlessly, choosing to die rather than surrender to the enemies who were superior in number, stronger, and better equipped.

At dawn of April 9, 1942, over 76,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to surrender and became prisoners of war (POWs). They endured the 90-mile (about 145-km) Death March from Mariveles and Bagac in Bataan to San Fernando train station in Pampanga. Thousand of prisoners died along the way due to dehydration, starvation, untreated wounds and diseases. In San Fernando, the Death March became a “death ride” by cargo train when the prisoners were packed so densely into boxcars that many of them perished from suffocation. Those who arrived alive in Capas, Tarlac had still to walk the last and most agonizing miles of the Death March, six kilometers more to Camp O’Donnell, which became known historically as one of the most hellish concentration camps of World War II. But the horrible Death March was neither sufficient to conquer human dignity nor man consecrated service to humankind.

Bataan’s downfall hastened the surrender of Corregidor on May 6, 1942. But the defense mounted by the Filipino and American soldiers that lasted for more than four months bought America valuable time to repair the heavily damaged Pearl harbor thereby restoring a cordon of defense around the Pacific. This also forced the Japanese to slow down, giving the allied Forces adequate preparation for all-out offensive years thereafter.

In military parlance, the surrender in Bataan and Corregidor were tactical defeats but strategic victories. Now 70 years hence, Bataan, Corregidor and Death March, serve as reminders of our veterans’ unparalleled gallantry and valor, showing the world that Filipinos could fight against all odds, and die if need be – in defense of their motherland.

With the theme, “BETERANO: Tagasulong ng Tunay at Walang Humpay na Pagbabago” (Veterans: Catalysts of Genuine and Lasting Change), the 70^th Anniversary of these three major historic events is being commemorated this year to honor the men and women who paid the price of the freedom, peace and democracy we now enjoy.

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70th Anniversary of Valor

Parish Church of La Inmaculada Concepcion, Guiuan, Eastern Samar was built by the Jesuits in the early 18^th century and further decorated by the Franciscans in the 19^th century. This is the best preserved church complex in Samar-Leyte. The decoration of shells and coral throughout the church complex and specially in the baptisery is a tour-de-force and the only one of its kind in the country. There are remains of fortifications throughout the complex.

Parish Church of San Joaquin, San Joaquin, Iloilo was built in the 19^th century by the Augustinians.The church possesses a carved pediment, a fold depiction of the Spanish Victory over the Moors at Tetuan. This structure is second only in the magnificence to the nearby Miag-ao. The three retablos are also of carved limestone and were formerly polychromed. Among the sprawling ruins of the convento are oval well and a kiln for baking bread. The church complex is magnificently located on a plain overlooking the sea.

Parish Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria, Daraga, Albay is the oldest existing building in the whole province, built in 1772. Located eminiently on top of Sta.Maria Hill and a landmark overlooking the gentle slopes of Mayon Volcano, the church is the beacon of faith for the Daraguenos and other people living in adjacent communities. The church is built with volcanic rock, engraved and carved at the face in careful detail bonded together by lime and mortar emphasizing the door and windows, openings, images and other features.

Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador, Lazi Siquijor was built in the second half of the 19^th century, under the Augustinian Recollects. This is the best preserved church complex, which is grandly conceived and occupies two blocks, in this island province. The magnificient wooden floor work of the church is among the best in the country, vying with those of Valencia and Duero in Bohol. The complex occupies the higher portion of the hilly town and is sorrounded by acacias.

Parish Church of Santiago Apostol, Betis, Pampanga was built in the 18^th century by the Augustinians with ceiling paintings from the early 20^th century. It posses the most beautiful retablo in Pampanga arguably the best in Central Luzon. The wooden floor, though not old, is well –maintained and adds to the ambiance. Original wooden furnishings are still in the sacristy and in the convento.

Parish Church of La Inmaculada Concepcion, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental was built in the late 19^th century and early 20’s by the Jesuits. The church is a “provincial” attempt at imitation of  an urban design, in this case, San Ignacio Church in Manila. There are signifact portions of the original brick paving, neo-Geo ratablo and ceiling woodwork.

Parish Church of Our Lady of Light (Nuestra Señora de la Luz), Loon, Bohol is the present coral stone church built by the Spanish Augustinian Recollect Jose Garcia de la Virgen de los Remedios, Loon Parish Priest from from 1854 to 1888.It has the elements of an ideal church plan: twin bell towers, a wall-enclosed patio or plaza, a casa parroquial, fortifications, bulwarks, morada and a circular old cemetery.These are all perfectly set amidst a landscape of verdant mountain range to the east and the seascape to the west providing a resonant rhythm of built structures and open spaces.

Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno, Majayjay, Laguna was founded in the early 18^th century by the Franciscans, this huge church commands a view of the hilly town and Laguna de bay in the distance.The interior with its retablos and azulejo-tiled floors is fairy well preserved despite some alterations of the walls.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental was built during the second half of the 19^th century by the Augustinian Recollects. It is located in a most idyllic setting. The interior is richly decorated with sculpture, painting and metal work. The ceiling has a painting on canvas done in 1898.The original clockwork, as in Tayabas, is still intact.

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Phil.Heritage.Churches

Though born on May 1, 1912 to a poor family and orphaned by his father at the age of three, his humble origins did not deter Felipe Padilla de Leon from pursuing his artistic vision with great determination. His daily struggle for living sensitized him to the heart of the Filipino folk, particularly in his tradition-rich hometown of Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija and provided him with a singular opportunity for observing and appreciating the intimate rituals of folk life. Affinity with the folk Filipino became the hallmark of his career, the foundation of his nationalism and his music’s distinctly native character.

Launching his calling at a time of passionate striving for nationhood during the Commonwealth, Japanese occupation and the post-war Philippine Republic, he stood out most prominently as champion of Filipino cultural dignity and identity. He always depicted what is noble, exalted and heroic in the Filipino. He took as his subjects the momentous events and symbols in our history and celebrated their deepest meanings through music.

Hence, he wrote the first full-length Filipino opera based on Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel of social realism, “Noli Me Tangere” (1957), with libretto by another National Artist, sculptor-linguist-Filipinist scholar Guillermo Tolentino. He followed this up with another opera, again based on a Rizal masterpiece, “El Filibusterismo” (1970). “Noli Me Tangere” is most performed Filipino opera, having been staged more than twenty five times here and abroad. Two arias from this opera, “kay Tamis ng Buhay” and “Awit ni Sisa” are now part of the international operatic repertoire. Right after liberation, de Leon composed the symphonic poems “Cry of Balintawak” (1947) and “Bataan” (1947).

Central to his idea of recognizing Filipino cultural worth is his consistent use of folk and ethnic themes as the basis of his compositions, for these themes – created by the people themselves – are the essential symbols of Filipino identity. He celebrated folk ideas by integrating their character in his most serious compositions as well as popular but artistic and well-crafted works. His art song ‘Kay Selya” (1950) breathes the very spirit of the traditional awit. His “Muntawit” Song Sonnet for Voice and Orchestra (1950) encompasses an epic breadth of moods and feelings while strongly retaining the character of the kumintang, kundiman, tagulaylay and other indigenous forms of music. His well-known “Sapagkat Mahal Kita” (1952) could be mistaken for a traditional harana because of its highly popular style. His Filipinization of musical genres included zarzuelas, overtures, suites, chamber works, choral music, concertos, piano solos, band music, film music, children’s songs and Christmas carols. His carols “Pasko na Naman,” “Noche Buena,” and “Payapang Daigdig” have become so popular they have acquired the status of folk songs.

Maestro de Leon did not confine his advocacy of Filipino cultural dignity through his music creations alone. He was a prolific writer and music educator who – from 1934 to 1988 – continuously published his articles, essays and columns and lectured though various media on Philippine music and the nation’s cultural life, considerably raising his audience’s cultural awareness.

He genuinely cared for the Filipino folk, especially for band musicians who had less in life. With a flair for organization, de Leon gathered band musicians in the country into one solid organization – the Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda sa Pilipinas (PASAMBAP) – whose aims, among others, were to foster the healthy spirit of teamwork among its members, protect the welfare of Filipino band musicians and promote Philippine band music. The Maestro was its founding president from 1953 – 1982, its peak years. His genuine concern for the musicians’ welfare also led him to assume the role of founding president – from 1965 – 1985 – of another organization, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), which, up to the present has successfully been protecting the legal rights of composers whose works are performed for profit by users.

Certainly, Felipe Padilla de Leon did not spare any vehicle to realize his artistic tribute to the dignity and worth of the Filipino, promotion of nationalism and advancement of the Filipino musicians’ welfare. His phenomenal artistic versatility and multifaceted career cannot but fail to impress.

During his prodigious lifetime, Maestro de Leon was the most prolific composer of musical masterpieces that powerfully expressed the nation’s ideals, historical struggles and majestic destiny. For his outstanding achievements, he was well-recognized during his lifetime and continues to receive tributes from our people. Aside from the National Artist Award, he had been the recipient of countless honors, including the Republic Cultural Heritage Award, Doctor of Humanities honoris causa from the University of the Philippines, Rizal Pro-Patria Award, Presidential Award of Merit, Patnubay ng Kalinagan Award from the City of Manila, Rizal Centennial Award, Filipino Musician of the Year Award from the U.P. Conservatory of Music, and Parangal from the Writers’’Union of the Philippines, among others.

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Felipe Padilla de Leon National Artist for Music

The Philippine Government led by the Department of Finance, officially partnered with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), to be the host country of a prestigious occasion, the 45^th Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors. It will be held on May 2 to 5 of this year at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

In 1966, ADB was established as a major source of development financing for the Asia and Pacific region. It is a multilateral development finance institution that is involved in mostly public sector lending for development purposes. It aims to focus on delivering projects that produce economic and development impact. Their headquarters is based in Manila, Philippines. They have 67 shareholding members of the United Nations and offices in 26 countries across Asia and Pacific region as well as representative offices in Washington DC, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Sydney.

ADB Annual meetings are statutory events for Governors of ADB members to deliver proper guidance on its administrative, financial and operational directions. It is held in a member country in late April or early May. The participants are the finance and economic planning ministers, senior government officials, representatives of the multilateral development bank community, investment bankers, representative of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and members of the media news.

The Manila 2012 will focus on Asia’s response to the global economic crisis. The panel discussion will cover the new models from the green growth in the region, how to protect vulnerable cities, how to deliver financial services to the world’s poor and how to feed the world in a generation of growing demand for food and fuel. ADB will also discuss possible reforms to make loans more accessible to member nations.

Almost a decade ago, Philippines hosted one of the annual meetings and now, it takes pride in hosting this high-level gathering again. It is a big break for the country, an opportunity to exhibit the best of Filipino culture and tradition, and to show the changes it has implemented for a better economy and the progress it has achieved.

Today, ADB and the Government continue to promote good governance, which is essential in making an Asia and Pacific free from poverty. “Inclusive Growth through Better Governance and Partnership”.

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45th Annual Meeting of ADB

The Filipino Postman, or the Kartero, is one of the country’s most recognizable public service icons. Advances in communications technology have rendered the Kartero irrelevant, yet the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) continues its long tradition of delivering messages and parcels to various parts of the country and around the world.

PHLPost has been in the business of mail delivery for more than two centuries, maintaining the most extensive domestic acceptance, distribution, and delivery network in the Philippines. It is in every town, city, and in many barangays nationwide.

PHLPost also has worldwide mail linkages that enable Filipinos to send mail to any part of the world, and its counterparts in the country of destination see to it that the mails are delivered. This is made possible through our memberships in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU).

Today, the delivery of mail has taken in newer modes, mainly wireless such as through the Internet, telephony and similar variants. While the PHLPost continues to maintain its traditional mail delivery services to serve populations who are not yet linked electronically, it has gone beyond tradition to stay relevant, competitive and still serving the postal needs of every Filipino.

Thus, under the visionary leadership of Postmaster General Ma. Josefina M. Dela Cruz, also the chief executive officer (CEO) of PHLPost, the agency has instituted new programs to stay relevant and competitive not only domestically but worldwide.

PHLPost Domestic Services

Domestically, PHLPost continues to offer the widest range of reasonably priced postal products and services to suit the mailing requirements of every citizen. It has also gone into busin

ess activities to ensure that more and more Filipinos would be served in other ways.

Only recently, the PHLPost Board of Directors chaired by Cesar N. Sarino has approved the rationalization of Postal Stations to ensure the availability of postal services in most parts of the country. Two types of Postal Stations – private (PPS) and barangay (BPS) can be accredited by PHLPost to sell stamps and provide other services.

Aside from the sale of stamps, PHLPost shall also collect mails posted at these Postal Stations for processing, dispatch, and delivery while providing a certain rebate on total postal sales. The Universal Postal Union employs such work sharing principles to ensure that member countries, such as the Philippines, shall perform their universal service obligations.

Another new service makes it possible for PHLPost to collect payments for utilities such as electric, water and telephone bills as well as other services. Through an agreement signed between PHLPost and the CIS Bayad Center Incorporated, Postal Stations within Mega Manila various provinces in the country shall now assume Bayad Center functions and collect payments for institutional clients.

Thus, residents need no longer line up in banks, shopping malls and other places to pay their utility bills but proceed to their nearest Postal Station instead.

Another new service of PHLPost is the provision of electronic money orders, where e-Post MO (electronic Postal Money Order) services are available. This is an electronic remittance system that will facilitate fund transfers through an instant payout process. Aside from its real time characteristic that allows faster transmission, this service is also accessible and does not require complicated identification processes.

Recipients can go to any postal station to claim their remittance. This e-money service can interface with Universal Postal Union-member countries, Eurogiro members, and duly licensed money remittance companies, local and foreign international banks.

Thus, families of OFWs can also avail of this service.

PHLPost also tied up with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the effective implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program of the government in the rural areas. The goal is to make the CCT distribution as convenient to the beneficiary as possible.

This partnership also extends to the Senior Citizens’ Pension Program, with the Kartero himself delivering their monthly allowance at the Pensioner’s doorstep.

Maximizing its capability using modern technology, PHLPost is now doing the biometrics capture and delivery of ID for Social Security System, through a private partner, FILMETRIX.

With all these innovations, your nearby post office will soon be transformed into a public service hub.

Global Logistics Services

In this time of dwindling mail volume due to electronic substitutes, postal services in the world are embarking in major paradigm shifts not exclusively for the purpose of generating more revenues but as a matter of business survival.

The PHLPost has thus gone into logistics, or the delivery of products from various clients to their customers’ homes. Logistics has two ultimate goals – to deliver products and cargos and use as little money as possible at that. It is not easy because of rising fuel costs and inflation.

Customers are very picky and companies have to introduce additional services in order to attract new clients. So, delivery of products is one of the most popular services. But timely delivery is something that is valued most of all. Hence, PHLPost aims to manage the clients’ supply chain at the most cost efficient, reliable and secured way possible.

Under Republic Act 7354, signed by then President CORAZON C. AQUINO that created the PHLPost, the Postal Services Act of 1992 mandates the Corporation to undertake forwarding services of parcels and like materials. This means the postal service can also engage in cargo forwarding business in close association with foreign postal administration for outbound shipments and the local transport and logistics industry for domestic shipments.

PHLPost has actually started its logistics business during the most recent elections with COMELEC as one of its clients. Another experience involved the Professional Regulation Commission’s deployment of its examination paraphernalia. Both these activities introduce PHLPost to this lucrative but demanding business.

Postmaster General Dela Cruz foresees PHLPost to eventually emerge as a major player in the arena of bulk and break—bulk cargo delivery industry.

The Foreign Surface Mail Distribution Centre (FSMDC) is the main logistics hub of PHLPost. Such include light equipment, appliances, and agricultural products among many others for delivery within limited areas initially and subsequently into the international arena where bilateral agreements have been finalized with other countries.

In the Philippines, PHLPost already has a wide distribution network in the age of globalization and fast-changing technological advances.

Institutional clients of PHLPost include bulk mailers, small and medium enterprises (such as MLM Networkers, One Town One Product Enterprises) and individual customers, although there are already government institutional clients such as the Commission on Elections, the Professional Regulation Commission, National Labor Relations Commission, and Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service, among others.

Internationally, the market has immense potentials. Research and development strategists have already confirmed that sharing with internationally branded service providers could further strengthen PHLPost’s capability and capacity.

PHLPost also see the potential of entering into on-line shopping showcasing world class Filipino products. This project is PHLPost’s way of supporting our entrepreneurs to penetrate the international market.

The emergence of PHLPost into competitive player in the domestic and global arena has been envisioned by the framers of the 1992 Philippine Postal Corporation Law (RA 7354) in the light of the very fast advances of communications technology. As it celebrates its 20th corporate anniversary, PHLPost is set to redefine service delivery by bringing it closer to the public and widening its business territory.

Gaining the full support of President BENIGNO AQUINO III, PHLPost is committed to play a significant role in achieving the goals of the present administration toward economic progress. Last year, President Aquino placed PHLPost directly under the authority of the Office of the President through Executive Order 47 and even allocated P644 million to support its efforts to revive the corporation and settle its financial obligations.

PHLPost was established as Postal Office in Manila in 1767, and then named Postal Service Office under the Department of Transportation and Communications in 1987 before the enactment of RA 7354.

Hon. Josie Dela Cruz, PHLPost first lady Postmaster & CEO

Setting new direction. PHLPost with the stewardship of the Board of Directors chaired by Hon. Cesar N. Sarino is committed on achieving the goals of the corporation.

Working Board. (L-R) Director Ronaldo Tuazon, Director Felipe Hidalgo Jr., Postmaster General & CEO Ma. Josefina M. Dela Cruz, Chairman Cesar N. Sarino, Director Ma. Lourdes Varona, Director Mory Sison, and Director Joel Otarra

Strong network. With the help of all the Asst. Postmaster Generals and Area Directors, public is ensured that even in the farthest barangay, they can enjoy the services of PHLPost.

Upholding the rights of the employees. The PHLPost management and the unions are working together for the benefit of the postal employees.

Connectivity. Under the new management they see the vital role of IT in the business that is why they have partnered with the giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) in the interconnecting through the web of all the post offices throughout the country.

Bringing service closer to the public. With the existence of postal offices in almost all of the municipalities and even in far-flung areas they also introduce the easy way of paying your bills through Bayad Centers in post offices.

Linking with the world. PHLPost maintains an open communication with the international community through accredited postal unions and organization.

Financial Stability. A significant turnaround of financialstatus of the corporation was made at the end of 2011 making a profit of P110M.

The Philippine Postal Corporation or Korporasyong Koreo ng Pilipinas (Philpost) is a government – owned and controlled corporation responsible for providing postal services in the Philippines.

The Philpost building existed since 1926; one of the grandest buildings of its time. It is now viewed as a national historical treasure. The main entrance faces the Liwasang Bonifacio (popularly known as Plaza Lawton) in Manila, Philippines and overlooks the Pasig River. It houses the main mail sorting-distribution operations.

On April 2, 1992, Republic Act No. 7354, otherwise known as “The Postal Service Act of 1992”, was enacted by the congress and approved, creating the Philippine Postal Corporation and defining its powers, functions, and responsibilities, providing for regulation on the industry and for other purposes connected therewith. This Law is significant to the corporation’s historical growth making it the present-day Philpost.

Tracing back its origin, the first post office was established in 1767, in the City of Manila. It became the postal district of Spain in 1779. It was known as the leading center of postal service in 1838 and became a member of Universal Postal Union in 1877. It was re-established under the leadership of President Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898. It became the Department of Trade when the American colonial government took over. The building was severely damaged during the World War II and restored immediately with its original design in 1946. In 1987, it was named Postal Service Office under the Department of Transportation and Communication.

As the post office building survived, so has the Philpost which at present is deeply involved in providing an excellent service in the business of mail delivery. It continues to develop a keen sensitivity to the changes and competes in this wireless driven generation but still maintains to provide an accessible mail system service to the public. “SUBUKIN ANG GALING, BAGONG PHILPOST TANGKILIKIN”.

Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU), originally known as Asian Oceanic Postal Convention is an inter-governmental organization of 32 postal administrations of the Asian Pacific region.

The objective of APPU is to extend, facilitate, and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services.

It all started in the 1950s, when the idea of a restricted union came. After some informal discussion, the Philippine government sent through diplomatic channels invitations to 18 countries for a roundtable in Manila. The 1961 Manila Postal Conference was very significant for APPU because it gave a concrete shape to the concept  and drew up the Asian Oceanic Postal Convention which was signed at Manila on January 23, 1961 by representatives of Australia, China, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand.

The convention was to come into force on April 1, 1962 and on that date they formed a union among themselves, with four member countries, namely, China, Korea, Philippines and Thailand. They established its headquarters in Manila with Enrico Palomar, Postmaster General of Philippines as its first Director. Since then, whoever is the Postmaster General of the Postal Administration of the Philippines acts as the Director of APPU.

In 1983 APPU become affiliated to Universal Postal Union, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The headquarters was relocated to Bangkok in 2002.

The membership of the Union subsequently increased with the admission of other countries of the Asian-Pacific region making it today an inter-governmental body of 32 countries namely; Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samao, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Maria Makiling, sometimes spelled Mariang Makiling has a special place in the hearts of the Filipinos, particularly those who live in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. She is a guardian of the mountain, responsible for protecting its beauty and a benefactor for the townspeople who depend on the mountain resources.

Maria Makiling is a legend, a story and a well-known figure of Filipino folklore that was told by many generations. In Philippine Mythology, she was described as a fairy or forest nymph (diwata in Tagalog) associated with Mount Makiling. Her home is an inactive volcano, located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna in southern Luzon. Oftentimes, it is said that Mount Makiling resembles the figure of a woman, said to be Maria herself. The mountain’s various peaks are said to be Maria’s face and two breasts, respectively and her hair cascades downwards a gentle slope away from her body. This wonder is set out to be true from different perspective.

According to the general belief, Maria Makiling is a young woman who never ages. She was tall and graceful. Her color was a clear, pure brown, “kayumanging kaligatan”, as the Tagalogs say and she has a long shining black hair and twinkling eyes. She was described as a fantastic creature, breathtakingly beautiful and was sought by many suitors and was said to be more than compassionate.

There are many tales told about this guardian spirit. Most of them are about how she helps the poor and the sick. The most common story is the one written by Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero. It is about her, turning the ginger into gold to help a hunter. In this version, she gave him some pieces of ginger. She told him to give them to his wife for her cooking. On the way home his hat felt heavy and took out some pieces. He was surprised and sorry the next day when his wife discovered that what they had taken to be ginger was a solid gold. People seldom saw her, and those times when she could be seen were often only during pale moonlit nights.

Mount Makiling is still covered with the mysteries and superstitions concerning Makiling. When people get lost on the mountain the disappearances are still attributed to the diwata. The unusual weather patterns on the mountain are also often associated to Maria Makiling. She has been a common theme among Filipino artists. One prominent depiction of Maria Makiling can be found on the Seal of the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna. It depicts Maria Makiling in the foreground with the mountain in the background and water  (representing Laguna de Bay) at her feet.

At present, Mount Makiling serves as one of the best destinations for hikers and a natural laboratory to study Science. Maria Makiling may or may not be a true forest nymph but its lore may be as majestic as Mount Makiling.