DAGUPAN CITY — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is urging the public to familiarize themselves with the advanced security features of polymer banknotes to avoid falling victim to counterfeiting.
Introduced as part of BSP’s modernization initiative, polymer banknotes are designed to be more secure, durable, and environmentally friendly. The P1,000 bill was launched in April 2022, while the P50, P100, and P500 denominations followed in December 2024.
A quick look at the polymer banknotes
During a “Pantongtongan Tayo” (Let’s Talk About It) virtual presser hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Pangasinan on January 15, Jim Ian Bautista, senior research specialist at the BSP North Luzon Regional Office, emphasized the importance of recognizing these security features.
Key security elements include clear windows, tactile dots, intricate designs, and dynamic effects unique to each denomination:
- P1,000: Features a Philippine Eagle portrait, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and a vertical clear window with multiple security elements.
- P500: Highlights the Visayan Spotted Deer, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, and Blue-naped Parrot.
- P100: Showcases the Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Mayon Volcano, and Whale Shark.
- P50: Depicts the Visayan Leopard Cat, Taal Lake, and Maliputo fish.
These designs celebrate the Philippines’ natural heritage and biodiversity, while tactile features aid the visually impaired.
“This initiative does not intend to replace the images of national heroes, as traditional paper bills remain in circulation,” Bautista clarified.
Smarter, Cleaner, Stronger currency
Polymer banknotes boast several advantages over traditional paper bills:
- Smarter: Equipped with advanced security features and a lower carbon footprint during production.
- Cleaner: The smooth, non-absorbent surface resists water, oil, and dirt while limiting the survival of bacteria and viruses.
- Stronger: Their durability means they last two to five times longer than paper notes, reducing replacement costs.
- Bautista said that with their superior security, hygiene, and durability, polymer banknotes present a significant improvement over traditional paper bills.
“These polymer banknotes are smarter, cleaner, and stronger, with a longer lifespan compared to traditional paper bills,” Bautista stated.
Simple verification: Feel, Look, and Tilt
The BSP recommends the “Feel, Look, and Tilt” method to verify authenticity:
- Feel: Check for raised textures, including tactile dots and key text.
- Look: Examine clear windows, metallic elements, and detailed designs.
- Tilt: Observe dynamic effects on higher denomination.
“Use the Feel, Look, and Tilt method as a simple yet effective way to verify the authenticity of polymer banknotes,” Bautista urged.
This simple yet effective approach allows individuals to easily identify genuine banknotes by checking key features such as texture, design elements, and security effects.
This awareness empowers individuals to safeguard their transactions while supporting the integrity of the country’s currency system.
BSP’s efforts to raise awareness of counterfeiting
To further protect the public, BSP conducts seminars and information campaigns. Interested groups can request sessions via the BSP North Luzon Regional Office at reas-nlro@bsp.gov.ph.
For other updates, follow the BSP Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ BangkoSentralngPilipinas.
With the BSP’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and provide easy-to-follow verification methods, the public can confidently handle the new currency while promoting national pride and protecting the integrity of the nation’s financial system. (CCMT/JCDR/ISBD, PIA Pangasinan)