Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said the bank's new commemorative coins promote cultural heritage and pride in Filipinos' shared history.

Rendered images of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)'s 125th Philippine Independence and Nationhood commemorative coin set. (BSP)

Medalla said this as President Marcos led the launch of BSP's commemorative coins set for the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood (APIN) in Malacañang on Monday, June 5.

In his speech during the event, Medalla said the commemorative 100-, 20-, and 5-peso coins were witnesses and mirrors of the country's unfolding national history.

"They also reflect our aspirations," he said.

"As such, we are issuing these commemorative coins as part of BSP's effort to preserve the cultural heritage and promote pride in our shared history," he added.

Medalla, whose one-year term as BSP governor will expire next month, said the coins were "unique" as they bore the colors of the Philippine flag: blue for peace, red for bravery, and yellow for freedom and sovereignty.

"We are issuing, for the first time, colored non-circulation --- which means you cannot spend this, you collect it --- coins showcasing key historical scenes," he said.

The 100-peso coin commemorates the 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence, while the 20-peso coin bore an image of the birth of the country's First Republic at the Barasoain Church. Meanwhile, the bravery of Filipinos who fought for the country's liberty in the Philippine-American War is depicted in the commemorative 5-peso coin.

Despite the coins not going into circulation, the BSP official hoped that May the coins would inspire the public to continue their collective efforts and work towards a better, prosperous, and more inclusive future for all Filipinos.

In a statement, the BSP said it used the latest digital printing technology to develop the APIN coin set.