Manila: 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 Malaca±an Palace in Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, 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 Pe±afrancia 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 stated that 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. While each coin is technically usable for payments, they are non-circulating legal tender, primarily designed for collectors and enthusiasts.
The BSP clarified that anyone may purchase the commemorative coins as a meaningful keepsake or gift celebrating Filipino heritage. 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, with further announcements to be posted on the BSP's official communication channels. Due to limited stocks, each customer may purchase only one piece per design.
In addition to the festival coins, the BSP also unveiled the 10-peso ASEAN commemorative coin, which will be in circulation as legal tender starting January 2026. The coin aims to raise public awareness of the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in 2026 and seeks to foster greater interest in the country's role as ASEAN chair.
The ASEAN commemorative coin retains the design of the current 10-peso coin in circulation, featuring Apolinario Mabini. The reverse side bears the ASEAN 2026 official logo, representing the theme, 'Navigating Our Future, Together,' and includes a QR code directing users to the BSP website and linking them to the Philippines' ASEAN website. This design bridges tradition and technology, allowing the public to access updates on the upcoming ASEAN events.
