“Asa atong kabaw?”
On December 19, 2024, the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas released the Philippine Polymer Banknote Series, designed to be more reliable than traditional paper banknotes. These new notes feature advanced security measures that make them harder to counterfeit. The designs highlight the country’s biodiversity, with the 500-peso bill showcasing the Visayan spotted deer, the 100-peso bill featuring the Palawan peacock-pheasant, and the 50-peso bill displaying the Visayan leopard cat.
Where Is the Philippine Tamaraw?
All the banknotes celebrate the wildlife of the Philippines:
- 1,000 peso bill: Philippine eagle and the sampaguita flower
- 500 peso bill: Visayan spotted deer
- 100 peso bill: Palawan peacock-pheasant
- 50 peso bill: Visayan leopard cat
However, the 200-peso and 20-peso bills, along with the Philippine Tamaraw, did not appear in last year’s release of the new banknotes. Does this mean the Tamaraw could debut in the future?
The Potential Inclusion of the Philippine Tamaraw
Including the Philippine Tamaraw on a banknote is a fantastic idea. It would not only celebrate this unique species but also raise awareness about its conservation status. Adding the Tamaraw would emphasize the importance of environmental sustainability and the preservation of the Philippines’ natural treasures. If the BSP were to release a new banknote featuring the Tamaraw, it could potentially be placed on the 20-peso bill. However, I believe the Tamaraw would fit perfectly on the green 200-peso bill, symbolizing the environment in which it thrives.
What do you think? Where should the Tamaraw be showcased?
