BSP marks Rizal’s birthday by issuing new peso coins

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has produced 10 million pieces of one-peso coin that features the portrait of Jose Rizal to commemorate the hero’s 150th birthday this year.

The coins will be distributed starting this month, in tribute to the national hero who celebrated his 150th birth anniversary last June 19, the BSP said.

Together with the portrait, the phrases “150 years,” “Republika ng Pilipinas,” and “1861-2011” are etched on the main side of the coin.

On the reverse side, the phrases “1-piso” and “2011” are etched.

The issuance of the coin this month was approved by the Monetary Board and the Office of the President, the central bank said in a statement.

The BSP said that the issuance of the Jose Rizal coins is just one of the ways to commemorate the national hero in his 150th birth year.

In June, the central bank held an exhibit titled “Rizal in Our Midst: A Homage to Greatness,” which showcased old coins and banknotes that featured Rizal.

Jose Rizal, who personified the country’s struggle for independence from Spain, was executed at Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta, on Dec. 30, 1896. –Michelle V. Remo