President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the launching of the commemorative coin set for the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence and Nationhood (APIN) in Malacañang.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued the coin set with 100-Piso, 20-Piso and 5-Piso denominations.

The 100-Piso was launched in commemoration of the 1898 declaration of Philippine Independence while the 20-Piso features the Barosoain Church, which served as the birthplace of the First Republic.

The 5-Piso, meanwhile, is a tribute to the bravery of the Filipinos who fought for the country’s sovereignty in the Philippine-American War.

The central bank used the latest digital printing technology in developing the APIN coin set, which features the first colored, non-circulation, commemorative coins produced by the BSP.

In his remarks, Marcos said the establishment of a formal currency by any country is part of the definition of being a sovereign nation.

“And that’s why we have to see it not just a very, very souvenir but really a commemoration of the creation of the Republic of the Philippines. And it’s entirely appropriate that I have never seen coins like this before,” Marcos said.

Marcos said it also signifies the current level of technological advancement of the Philippines, noting “we are now at the forefront and will use the best technologies, the best techniques, everything that is good and new for our country.”

“That’s what it means. It just doesn’t mean that it is a 125th anniversary of the Independence Day, but it also reminds us how far we have come and the significance of what we have achieved in 125 years,” he added.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said the commemorative currencies showcase the Filipinos’ bravery and promote heritage and pride among the citizens.

He said this is the first time for the BSP to issue colored commemorative coins, which is meant as collections and not for circulation.

Medalla said the currencies are historically significant because these “play significant roles in our nation’s history.”

“They are witnesses and mirrors of our unfolding national history,” he said.

Medalla said the currencies “also reflect our aspirations.”

“Of course, as I said, it’s very unique because it has three colors. And those three colors themselves represent our aspiration — first, blue: kapayapaan (peace); second, red: kagitingan (bravery); yellow: kalayaan (independence) at soberanya (sovereign). As such, we are issuing these commemorative coins as part of BSP’s effort to preserve the cultural heritage and promote pride in our shared history,” he said.

“May these serve as inspiration for us to continue our collective efforts and work towards a better, prosperous, and more inclusive future for all Filipinos,” he added.

The BSP will announce via its social media channels when the APIN coins set will be available for sale.

The coin set will be sold at the BSP Store https://bspstore.bsp.gov.ph. (PNA)