In a commendable effort to preserve valuable artifacts, cultural items and important materials related to the history of one of the oldest Postal Services in Asia , the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) will embark on a project to establish a Postal Museum located at the historic Manila Central Post Office building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila .
Plans are to have the project funded by donations from the private sector, with Philpost management under Postmaster General Hector Villanueva and a private Foundation which will soon be established, leading the way.
To kick-start the project a golf tournament titled the First Postmaster General’s Cup will be held at the historic Club Intramuros on August 19. Postmaster General Villanueva said Club Intramuros “is the perfect venue for the event for its historic significance which ties in perfectly with the equally historic and cultural importance of the beneficiary project.”
Villanueva said “The historic walls of Intramuros and the magnificent edifice of the post office building at the heart of Manila remind us to love our past and treasure these places for the future.The Museum when completed will be a spectacular gem that will be added to the tiara of cultural, heritage and tourism sites in the heart of the city of Manila.”
The major historical, heritage, cultural and tourism sites are centered in the area where the proposed museum will be located. These include, the National Museum , the National Library, the historic walls of Intramuros, For Santiago, Jose Rizal Park , Manila Oceanarium, Manila Historical and Heritage Museum , San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Manila Hotel, Manila City Hall and the Metropolitan Theater.
Villanueva said thee Museum will “promote greater awareness and appreciation of the Filipino cultures and societies, and the Philippines ’ place in Asian history. It will encourage dialog and collaboration with other counterpart academic and cultural Institutions in the ASEAN region through the promotion of stamps and postal services,” Villanueva said. One can even practically trace the history of our country through the history of stamps and other postal artifacts.”
The Spaniards started postal service in the country in 1783, which developed into a more formal system in 1854 until General Emilio Aguinaldo established the first all Filipino Postal Service in November 1898, from which date the Anniversary is being observed. The Philippine Postal service is the first ever established in Asia which handled mail to foreign countries.
Villanueva urged all sectors to support the establishment of the Museum, through participation in the many facets of its development, but more importantly in generating funds for its construction and, eventually to sustain its operations.
The scheduled tournament will be open to all sponsors and players that would like to participate and help with the funding of the project. Tickets are priced at two thousand five hundred pesos, (P 2,500.00) which will include give aways, green and caddy fees, insurance, lunch and raffle participation.
Interested parties may contact the Tournament Director, Assistant Postmaster General, Louie Carlos at the Central Post Office Building, Telephone No. 527-96-01, or Ms. Rose Tubal at Telephone No. 527-58-71. Queries may also be directed to the Office of the Postmaster General at Tel. 527-83-27 to 30 or, via e-mail addressed to: carlosld88@yahoo.com.
The Philippine Tourism Authority and the Department of Tourism have shown great enthusiasm and support for the project. The PTA which operates the Intramuros Club has allowed the use of the iconic golf course free of charge as part of its initial contribution.
The Pagcor Golf Club will assist the tournament group from Philpost in the organization and management of the entire tournament. Tee off time and system of scoring will be announced later.
