The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has announced the issuance of two new commemorative coin series aimed at celebrating the Philippines’ cultural heritage and promoting public awareness of its role as the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in 2026.
BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. formally presented the new series to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at a ceremony held in Malacañang on November 26. The coins are scheduled for release next year.
The first release is the P10 Asean Coin, which commemorates the Philippines’ 2026 Asean chairmanship.
The coin features the Asean 2026 logo, incorporating traditional Filipino elements such as a woven pattern, rice stalks, waves, and a balangay boat. Uniquely, the coin includes a scannable QR code that links to information about the country’s role as the upcoming summit chair.
In recognition of the nation’s diverse traditions, the BSP also unveiled the P100 “Pista sa Pilipinas: Philippine Festivals Commemorative Silver Coin Series.”
This collectible series is designed to showcase 12 of the archipelago’s major annual celebrations. Each P100 silver coin features a giant lantern motif that integrates symbols from one of the featured festivals.
One coin design from the “Pista sa Pilipinas” series will be released each month in 2026 to coincide with the celebration of the featured festival.
The 12 Philippine festivals included in the series are:
• January: Sinulog Festival (Cebu City)
• February: Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival (Ilocos Norte)
• March: Kaamulan Festival (Bukidnon)
• April: Moriones Festival (Marinduque)
• May: Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon)
• June: Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival (Tacloban City)
• July: T’nalak Festival (South Cotabato)
• August: Kadayawan Festival (Davao City)
• September: Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City)
• October: MassKara Festival (Bacolod City)
• November: Higantes Festival (Angono, Rizal)
• December: Giant Lantern Festival (San Fernando City, Pampanga)
Commemorative coins, often minted in precious metals such as silver or gold, typically differ in size and design from standard circulation pieces and are issued to mark significant historical events or figures.
