BSP Encourages Filipinos to Get to Know the Smarter, Cleaner, Stronger 'First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series'

​The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has officially launched the “First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series” at Malacañang.

​This series includes the previously issued 1000-piso denomination and introduces new 500-, 100-, and 50-piso denominations. These polymer banknotes are designed to be smarter, cleaner, and stronger than traditional paper banknotes, offering advanced security features and improved durability.
 
“The BSP encourages everyone to get to know the new banknote series—including consumers, cash handlers in banks and other financial institutions, retail stores, public transport operators, and other businesses involved in financial transactions,” BSP Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim said during a press conference.
 
“The BSP has released communication materials on the polymer series through our website and social media accounts, as well as printed collaterals, so everyone gets access to the details of its design and security features,” Assistant Governor Lim added.
 
The design showcases images of native and threatened species in the country, promoting the message of environmental responsibility. The security features are more sophisticated, making it easier to detect counterfeits and promoting currency integrity.   
 
Polymer banknotes are smarter, cleaner, and stronger. Smarter because they have advanced anti-counterfeiting features and a smaller carbon footprint. Cleaner because viruses and bacteria do not survive as long on polymer than on paper. Stronger because polymer banknotes have a longer lifespan than their paper counterparts.
 
Each polymer banknote denomination features unique, native, and endangered Philippine species, along with cultural elements that celebrate the country’s heritage:

• 1000-piso: Philippine eagle and sampaguita flower
• 500-piso: Visayan spotted deer and Acanthephippium mantinianum  
• 100-piso: Palawan peacock-pheasant and Ceratocentron fesselii
• 50-piso: Visayan leopard cat and Vidal’s lanutan

 
The series also preserves notable elements from the paper banknotes, highlighting the Philippines’ natural beauty and artisanal crafts:

• 1000-piso: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, South Sea pearl, and the T’nalak weave design
• 500-piso:  Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, blue-naped parrot, and southern Philippine weave design
• 100-piso: Mayon Volcano, whale shark, and Bicol Region weave design
• 50-piso: Taal Lake, native maliputo fish, and Batangas embroidery design

 
Polymer banknotes will be easily recognizable since they match the size and color of their paper equivalents. They also have accessibility features, such as the highly embossed tactile dots on the top long edge of the polymer banknotes, intended to assist the elderly and persons with vision impairment.