SMARTER, CLEANER, and STRONGER:

THE 1000-PISO POLYMER BANKNOTE

The Polymer Project

The BSP continuously looks for ways to improve our banknotes in response to the evolving needs of Filipinos and the availability of modern technologies. One such improvement is the use of polymer banknotes, which are known to be SMARTER (more secure and sustainable), CLEANER (more hygienic and sanitary), and STRONGER (durable and cost-effective) than paper banknotes.

In April 2022, the BSP began the circulation of the new and improved 1000-Piso polymer banknotes. This will be used alongside the 1000-Piso paper banknotes.

Why polymer banknotes?


  • 1. Polymer banknotes are smarter.
    • More secure. Detailed images and sophisticated security features make polymer banknotes more difficult to counterfeit.
    • More eco-friendly. Don’t panic just because it’s plastic. Producing polymer banknotes has less environmental impact given their smaller carbon footprint, lower water and energy usage, and less environmental toxicity.
    • Recyclable. Go green with polymer banknotes. When deemed unfit, these banknotes can be recycled to produce various products such as building components, plant pots, and garden furniture. 
  • 2. Polymer banknotes are cleaner.
    • Shorter survivability of viruses and bacteria. The smoother, non-absorptive surface of polymer banknotes makes them cleaner. Based on studies reviewed by our Department of Health, the survival time of bacteria and viruses in polymer banknotes is significantly shorter than in paper banknotes.
    • Can be sanitized. You can always keep your polymer banknotes clean. You can sanitize them with less risk of damage compared to paper banknotes.
  • 3. Polymer banknotes are stronger.
    • More durable. Rain or shine, your polymer banknotes can withstand the test of temperature and time. They can last much longer than paper banknotes given their resistance to water, oil, dirt, and general wear and tear.
    • More cost-effective. With a lifespan that is at least 2 to 5 times longer than paper banknotes, polymer banknotes will lead to significant savings on printing, distribution, and replacement costs in the long run.
  • 4. Polymer banknotes have a distinct and functional design.
    • Its distinct design and texture make the new polymer banknote easily distinguishable from paper banknotes. It also features the country’s national flora and fauna symbols: the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), the Sampaguita flower (Jasminum sambac), along with the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our nature’s pride, the South Sea Pearl.
    • More inclusive. The new polymer banknote also has five embossed dots as a tactile feature for the visually challenged.
  • 5. A change for the better.
    • Central banks around the world change the designs of their banknotes every 10 years, on average, and the current series of Philippine banknotes first went into circulation more than ten years ago.
    • We will now join Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Mexico, Fiji, and Vietnam as polymer banknote users. These countries have experienced a big reduction in counterfeiting cases after shifting to polymer banknotes, among other benefits.

Timeline


Road to 500 million pieces of 1000-Piso polymer banknotes in circulation

April 2022

Delivery of 10 million pieces of 1000-Piso polymer banknotes (0.7 percent of the total no. of 1000-Piso banknotes in circulation).

April 2022

October 2022 to June 2023

Delivery of the remaining 490 million pieces of 1000-Piso polymer banknotes, bringing a total of 500 million pieces of polymer banknotes in circulation (31.9 percent of the total no. of 1000-Piso banknotes in circulation).

October 2022
June 2023
  1. Delivery of 10 million pieces of 1000-Piso polymer banknotes (0.7 percent of the total no. of 1000-Piso banknotes in circulation).
    April 2022
  2. Delivery of the remaining 490 million pieces of 1000-Piso polymer banknotes, bringing a total of 500 million pieces of polymer banknotes in circulation (31.9 percent of the total no. of 1000-Piso banknotes in circulation).
    October 2022
    June 2023

Design Features

The distinct design and enhanced security features of the 1000-Piso polymer banknote are consistent with the principles of currency integrity, social relevance and efficiency, and unified theme and aesthetics.

 

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Take a quick look at our P1000-Piso polymer banknote

Use the slider and explore its features

 

Philippine Eagle Portrait

Small clear window depicting the Sampaguita flower with embossed line structures and the text "BSP”

Vertically aligned value panel with rolling bar effect

T’nalak weave design

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Image of South Sea Pearl

Vertical clear window bearing optically variable devices such as the 3D denomination (obverse side only), seal of the Republic of the Philippines, and logo of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; an iridescent blue figure; and an embossed stylized flying eagle

Five highly embossed dots as tactile feature for the visually challenged

Shadow Thread

Key Security Features

Click on each thumbnail to know more about the security features of the 1000-Piso polymer banknote.

Polymer Substrate
                                                                         
Enhanced Value Panel
                                                                         
Sampaguita Clear Window
                                                                         
Serial Numbers
                                                                         
Tactile Dots
                                                                         
Embossed Prints (Obverse)
                                                                         
Embossed Prints (Reverse)
                                                                         
Shadow Thread
                                                                         
Vertical Clear Window
                                                                         
Metallic Features (Dynamic Waves)
                                                                         
Metallic Features (RP Seal and Mirrored Denomination)
                                                                         
Metallic Features (BSP Logo and 3D Denomination)
                                                                         
Blue Iridescent Figure
                                                                         
Flying Eagle
                                                                          

Proper Handling


Polymer banknotes may be tough, but these banknotes also need to be valued and handled with care. Just like our existing paper banknotes, the new 1000-Piso polymer banknote should be properly used so it can last for a longer period of time. Here are the DOs and DON’Ts in handling polymer banknotes:



KEEP THEM FLAT.
Place your polymer banknotes in wallets where they fit properly. If banknotes become crumpled or creased, apply pressure, or flatten them with your hands.


KEEP THEM CLEAN.
Soiled or dirty polymer banknotes may be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Their surface may also be cleaned with alcohol-based sanitizers—just wipe them dry using a towel or piece of cloth right away.

USE THEM AS PAYMENT FOR GOODS AND SERVICES.
Do not hoard polymer banknotes, nor buy or sell them at a higher price.

DO NOT deface, write on, or mark polymer banknotes.


DO NOT excessively fold, crease, or crumple polymer banknotes. These could leave permanent fold marks


DO NOT tear, cut, or poke holes in polymer banknotes.
                   
DO NOT staple polymer banknotes or use rubber bands to keep them together.
You may use paper bands instead.


DO NOT damage the clear windows, metallic features, and other security features of polymer banknotes.



DO NOT iron polymer banknotes.



DO NOT expose polymer banknotes to very high temperatures or place them near an open flame.


DO NOT expose polymer banknotes to strong or corrosive chemicals, such as muriatic acid or bleach.

Resources

Sharing is caring! Learn more about the P1000-Piso polymer banknote by reading these free-to-download materials.


Benefits

Benefits Infosheet (English)

                                                      
FAQs

Benefits Infosheet (Filipino)

                                                      
FAQs

FAQs (English)

                                                      
FAQs

FAQs (Filipino)



                                                      
FAQs

Proper Handling Guidelines (English)

                                                      
FAQs

Security Features Infosheet (English)