Every year, the philatelic community has a whole month dedicated to their beloved hobby. National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM), which is celebrated in November, is a time when collectors showcase their stamps, promote their hobby, and buy stamps and philatelic items that are issued for the occasion.

It is a time to be proud of what we like to do, something that gives us happiness and a connection with one another.

Let me tell you about the history of the event. Before the month of November was declared NSCM in 1994, there was National Philatelic Week. National Philatelic Week was first celebrated from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22, 1952. According to Proclamation No. 342, it was created to “draw the people’s attention to the First Pan-Asian Philatelic Exhibition to be held in Manila,” which was one of the biggest philatelic events in the Philippines after World War II.

First postage stamp

The next Philatelic Week was held from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, 1954, to “commemorate the centenary of the first postage stamp issued in the Philippines in 1854,” according to Proclamation No. 99.

In 1968, then President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation No. 490, which declared Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 as Philatelic Week. According to the proclamation, “philately, the collection and study of postage stamps, provides an individual with knowledge not only of his country’s history, its people and tradition, but also of the rest of the world.” It also states that philately “fosters international understanding and friendship, and promotes patriotism, interest in arts, culture and science,” and that “promotion of philately in our country will provide an effective means of advertising the Philippines abroad, and consequently boost our tourism industry.”

In 1969, Proclamation No. 622 was issued, declaring the last week of November every year as Philatelic Week. This was followed for 25 years.

Proclamation No. 494, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos, declared November as National Stamp Collecting Month.

Deeper knowledge of history

But in 1994, then President Fidel V. Ramos, a stamp collector himself, issued Proclamation No. 494, declaring every November as NSCM. Here are some excerpts from the proclamation:

“It is desirable that public attention be focused on the value and significance of philately.”

“Philately, which is the collection and study of stamps, will provide our people, especially the youth, with deeper knowledge of our history, culture and traditions, as well as of the rest of the world.”

And “the promotion and development of our people’s consciousness of the value and significance of philately in our country will help provide an effective means of projecting the Philippines abroad and, consequently, boost our tourism and economy.”

Basketball legend Robert Jaworski is one of the Filipino legends honored in this new stamp series.

NSCM has been celebrated for 26 years, with each one bringing special moments in philately. Even during the pandemic, NSCM was still celebrated by many collectors virtually.

Living legends

This year is special. Aside from 2021 being the year of quincentennial commemorations in the Philippines, the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) is taking further leaps in philately with their various projects and plans to revive the philatelic spirit in the new generations.

These projects were brought by the new postmaster general and CEO of PHLPost, “Mr. Postman” Norman N. Fulgencio.

One of his projects for NSCM is the release of PHLPost’s Living Legends Series I, which highlights world-renowned Filipinos in different fields. The series, which will be available today, includes stamps featuring basketball star Robert Jaworski, actress and singer Lea Salonga, designer Josie Natori, Jollibee and more.

The stamps are also issued to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first stamp of the Republic of the Philippines.

These stamps truly embody an aspect of NSCM: recognizing and being proud of our own heritage and culture. NSCM is more than just a month for philately, it’s about what philately teaches us. With just a small stamp, a lot can be learned—from local to international history and culture.

I invite all of you to join us in celebrating this wonderful occasion as it helps us enrich our knowledge—and you might even find a new fun hobby. —CONTRIBUTED INQ