Bago City Unveils Commemorative Stamps Honoring Great Negrenses

BACOLOD CITY – The Bago City Government, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), unveiled a new set of commemorative stamps on Tuesday, March 4, honoring four distinguished sons of Bago.

These “Great Men of Bago” postage stamps mark the first in a series released by the local government and PHLPost to pay tribute to the legacies of its most notable residents.

The commemorative stamps feature:

-Juan Araneta, hero of the Negros Revolution, who led the liberation of the island from Spanish rule.

-Ramon Torres, the first secretary of labor and author of the eight-hour labor law.

-Rafael Salas, the first head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

-Arsenio Yulo Jr., the first head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

The city government emphasized that these four men not only made names for themselves but also brought honor to Bago and the country through their talent, courage, and tenacity.

“They have become a symbol of pride and inspiration for generations of Bagonhons,” the local government stated.

The commemorative stamps were designed and produced to immortalize their impact and highlight their contributions to Bago’s history and heritage.

This marks the second collaboration between Bago City and PHLPost, following the successful release of the city’s 50th Charter Anniversary stamps in 2016.

The unveiling ceremony was led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, and PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos at the Bago City Community Center.

They were joined by Councilors Ma. Josefa Matti and Jake Patrick Torres, along with other descendants of the “Great Men of Bago”.

Postmaster Carlos and PHLPost Area Director Dr. Donabel Asuncion also presented the first day cover and stamps to Mayor Yulo and Vice Mayor Torres.

Following the launch, PHLPost released limited sheets containing 1,300 postage stamps priced at PHP150 per sheet, along with 2,300 commemorative covers.

Mayor Yulo expressed optimism that this collaboration will further promote Bago City as the “Home of Historical and Natural Treasures.”

Through these postage stamps, he said, the city government honors and commemorates the legacy of these four great Bagonhons.

“In Bago, we stand on the shoulders of giants,” Yulo said.

He emphasized the importance of upholding their contributions to nation-building, adding that their courage and patriotism should continue to inspire future generations.

Vice Mayor Torres noted that times have changed, but the contributions of these four distinguished Bagonhons remain etched in the hearts and minds of the people.

“For future generations, they must always be remembered,” he said.

He urged officials and descendants to preserve the tradition and serve as role models, continuing the vision of their illustrious predecessors.

Postmaster Carlos said the personalized stamps honor the “Great Men of Bago”, whose lives and achievements remain an inspiration for all Bagonhons.

He also assured that PHLPost will continue to support and collaborate with Bago to help drive the city’s progress.

The launching of the commemorative stamps was part of Bago City’s 50th Charter Anniversary celebration, themed “Celebrating 50 Years of Strength and Prosperity: Surmounting Challenges, Cultivating Hope.”