The Philippine Postal Corporation, commonly known as PHLPost, plays a vital role in connecting people and facilitating communication across the sprawling archipelago of the Philippines.

Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)

Established in 1902 as a government-owned and controlled corporation, PHLPost has evolved to provide a wide range of postal and financial services, adapting to the changing needs of the Filipino people in the digital age.

Historical Significance

PHLPost's roots can be traced back to colonial times when the Philippines was under Spanish rule. The postal service was initially established to serve the needs of colonial administrators and facilitate communication between the Philippines and Spain. Since then, it has undergone significant transformations to become the modern organization it is today.

PHLPost in Years

The Philippine postal system has a history spanning over 250 years.

1767 - the first post office in the Philippines was established in the city of Manila, which was later organized under a new postal district of Spain. The postal office served mainly to courier government and church documents.

1779 - the postal district encompassed Manila and the entire Philippine archipelago.

December 5, 1837 - the postal district was reestablished on. A year later, Manila became known as a leading center of postal services within Asia.

1875 - in this year, Spain joined the Universal Postal Union in, which was announced in the Philippines two years later. By then post offices were set up not only in Manila but in many major towns and cities in the provinces. During that time, badageros or horseback-drawn letter carriers were dispatched to deliver mail from the “Tribunal” or town hall to "Casa Real" or the provincial capital.

September 5, 1902 - the establishment of Post Office was organized as the Bureau of Posts under the Department of Trade on, by virtue of Act No. 426, which was passed by the Philippine Commission.

January 1, 1922 - the Philippines eventually joined the Universal Postal Union, this time as a sovereign entity.

1926 - The Manila Central Post Office building, the headquarters of the Bureau of Posts, was constructed in its present-day Neo-Classical style.

May 21, 2023 - a massive fire hit the Manila Central Post Office late in the night and continued until the morning of May 23.

Headquarters at Manila Central Post Office

In the aftermath of the fire, the Philippine Postal Corporation said it was transferring the central office's operations to the Foreign Surface Mail Distribution Center in Port Area, Manila, while the business mails service for private corporations was to be moved to the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay, near Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Services Offered by PHLPost

Here are the services offered by the PHLPost:

Mail and Parcel Services: PHLPost is responsible for the efficient delivery of mail and parcels, ensuring that letters and packages reach their intended destinations promptly. This service is crucial for individuals, businesses, and government agencies that rely on the postal service for communication and commerce.
Money Remittance: PHLPost provides remittance services, allowing Filipinos to send and receive money from family members working abroad. These services help support the country's economy by bringing in remittances, which contribute significantly to the Philippines' GDP.
Postal IDs: PHLPost issues Postal Identification Cards, or Postal IDs, which serve as a valid proof of identity and residency. Postal IDs are essential for various official transactions, including opening bank accounts and applying for government services.
Philately: PHLPost promotes philately, the collection and study of postage stamps, by issuing commemorative and special edition stamps. These stamps often feature historical events, cultural heritage, and iconic figures, showcasing the country's rich history and culture.
eCommerce Solutions: In response to the growth of eCommerce in the Philippines, PHLPost has introduced services to support online sellers and buyers, such as international parcel and package delivery, customs clearance, and tracking services.

Challenges and Innovations

While PHLPost continues to serve the needs of the Filipino people, it faces challenges in the digital age. The rise of electronic communication has led to a decline in traditional mail volume, prompting PHLPost to explore new ways to remain relevant. Some of the innovations and adaptations include:

Digitization: PHLPost has embraced digital technologies, offering online tracking services for parcels and packages. This allows customers to monitor the status and location of their shipments in real-time.
eMoney Transfer: PHLPost introduced e-money transfer services, enabling customers to send and receive money electronically, providing a convenient alternative to traditional remittance methods.
Collaboration: PHLPost collaborates with eCommerce platforms and logistics companies to provide seamless delivery solutions for online sellers and buyers, tapping into the growing eCommerce market.
Modernization: The postal service continues to invest in modernizing its facilities, equipment, and systems to enhance efficiency and customer service.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

PHLPost's evolution reflects its commitment to adapting to changing times while preserving its essential role in connecting communities and enabling economic activities across the Philippines. In doing so, PHLPost ensures that the postal service remains an integral part of Filipino life in both rural and urban areas.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

What is PHLPost: Philippine Postal Corporation History and Services