Commemorative coins for ASEAN, Phl festivals unveiled

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) unveiled two commemorative coins slated to circulate in 2026: the 10-peso Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Commemorative Coin and the 12-coin series of the 100-peso Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins. 

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. and BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan lead the coin presentation at Malacañang Palace.

ASEAN National Organizing Council Representative Aian Caringal and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Ana Marie L. Hernando also joined the presentation ceremony.

The 10-peso Commemorative Coin features the ASEAN 2026 logo showing a woven pattern, rice stalk, waves, and a balangay boat.

The coin also possess a QR code that can be scanned using a mobile phone to view information about ASEAN 2026.

On the other hand, the 100-peso Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins feature a giant lantern that represent the symbols and elements of 12 Philippine festivals.

According to the BSP, one design will be released each month to coincide with the celebration of the featured festival.

The 12 festivals will be released by the following order: the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City; Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival in Ilocos Norte; Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon; Moriones Festival in Marinduque; Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon; Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City; T’nalak Festival in South Cotabato; Kadayawan Festival in Davao City; Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City;  MassKara Festival in Bacolod City; Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal; and the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coins are expected to boost the tourism industry as they spark curiosity among a niche global collector community, sparking interest in Philippine festivals and the destinations they represent.

They also elevate local festivals to national prominence and showcase the country as a vibrant and diverse cultural destination.

Each coin in the series, the first of its kind, measures 38.6 millimeters, with a P100 legal-tender denomination. It will be sold at the price of P5,000.