PHLPost marks Valentine’s Day with special ‘Mahal Kita’ stamp

A special stamp and letter carriers playing the role of Cupid will highlight the Philippine Postal Corp.'s observance of Valentine's week.

On Monday PHLPost released its "Mahal Kita" stamp, with artwork by by St. Stephen High School student and stamp design competition winner Jamia Mei Tolentino.

PHLPost said it will release 55,000 of these special stamps, which will be priced at P10 each.

"Despite our modern technology such as the use of text messaging, it is still different when love is expressed through love letters mailed and delivered at the post office," said Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz in a statement on the PHLPost website.

Cupids

Meanwhile, PHLPost letter carriers will play the role of Cupid via the agency's "Love Express" service from Monday to Friday.

The service is available at the Manila Central Post Office (MCPO) in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila from Feb. 10 to 14.

"Under this project, the MCPO will open its postal counters to receive flowers and other special items that any individual would want to send to their loved ones in time for Valentine's Day," the PHLPost said.

Dela Cruz added that a dedicated team of letter carriers, the Express Elite Force, will deliver items via Domestic Express Mail Service (DEMS) with a same-day delivery commitment within Metro Manila and other committed areas.

Other delivery committed areas include:

- Bulacan, with its hub in Malolos covering the towns of Guiguinto, Balagtas, Plaridel and Calumpit, and another hub in Sta. Maria covering Marilao, Bocaue and Meycauayan;
- Cavite, with Imus as a hub servicing Bacoor and Dasmariñas; and
- Rizal, with Antipolo as hub and including the towns of Cainta and Taytay.

The current rate for DEMS will be applied, including:

- P60 for the first 20 grams within Metro Manila
- P70 for delivery in other committed areas outside Metro Manila

"A cut-off time of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will also be observed for same day delivery for areas in NCR and Manila respectively," PHLPost said.

One-stop shop

Booths selling flowers, chocolates, greeting cards, stuffed toys and other Valentine novelties will also be set up at the lobby of the Central Post Office in Manila.

"Here, customers have an option of pre-booking any desired products to be delivered on the day of Valentine's Day," PHLPost said.

PHLPost noted Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brilliantes Jr. was among its customers last year, when he asked it to deliver flowers to the poll body's female employees. — BM, GMA News