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MANILA, Philippines?Commemorative stamps were issued as part of the celebration of 60th anniversary of the establishment of Philippines-India diplomatic relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
The joint issue, which featured endangered marine life from the two countries (specifically the ?butanding? or whale shark for the Philippines and the ?Gangetic dolphin? for India), was a result of the collaboration between the India Post, the Philippine Postal Corporation, the Philippine embassy in New Delhi and the DFA.
The stamps, issued earlier in New Delhi, were formally unveiled there last November 16 during a reception hosted by Philippine Ambassador to India Francisco L. Benedicto.
The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1924 declaring November 2009 as Philippines-India Friendship Month.
Here in the country, the stamps were unveiled at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Library in the DFA early December, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Postmaster General Hector R.R. Villanueva, and outgoing Ambassador of India to the Philippines Rajeet Mitter in attendance.
The other highlight of the event here was the signing of the First Day Cover (collectors? item envelopes bearing the first editions of the stamps) by the ambassador of India and the postmaster general, with Secretary Romulo, former Senator Leticia R. Shahani, and head of the Manila Cultural Affairs Office Gemma Cruz-Araneta (representing Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim) as witnesses.
