BACOLOD City – In a tribute to four prominent sons of Bago City in Negros Occidental, the local government, in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), unveiled a new set of commemorative stamps on Tuesday, March 4.
The “Great Men of Bago” postage stamps are the first in a series designed to honor the legacies of these distinguished individuals. The stamps feature Juan Araneta, a hero of the Negros Revolution who led the island’s liberation from Spanish rule; Ramon Torres, the first secretary of labor and author of the eight-hour workday law; Rafael Salas, the first head of the United Nations Population Fund; and Arsenio Yulo Jr., the first head of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
According to the local government, these Bagonhons not only made significant contributions to their fields but also brought honor to their hometown and the nation.
“They have become symbols of pride and inspiration for generations of Bagonhons,” the statement added.
The stamps were designed to immortalize the lasting impact of these notable figures and their contributions to Bago City’s rich heritage.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Bago City Community Center, attended by Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, both descendants of the honorees, and PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos.
The event was part of Bago City’s 50th Charter Anniversary celebration, themed “Celebrating 50 Years of Strength and Prosperity: Surmounting Challenges, Cultivating Hope.”
Mayor Yulo expressed optimism that the collaboration would further promote Bago City as the “Home of Historical and Natural Treasures” and said the stamps would honor the enduring legacies of the four distinguished men.
Postmaster General Carlos emphasized that the personalized stamps honor the “Great Men of Bago” whose lives continue to serve as a source of inspiration for all Bagonhons. He also reiterated PHLPost’s commitment to further support Bago City’s growth.
In 2016, Bago City and PHLPost first collaborated on the release of the 50th Charter Anniversary stamps./PN
