The First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series is smarter than paper banknotes, as it has more sophisticated security features, making it harder to counterfeit.
Countries that shifted to polymer banknotes—including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Mexico, Fiji, and Vietnam—saw a decline in counterfeiting cases.
While there are no major counterfeiting problems in the Philippines, crime syndicates continue to adopt new techniques to counterfeit Philippine banknotes, hence the need to continually strengthen the currency’s security features.
A study commissioned by the BSP also revealed that the 1000-piso polymer banknote has a lower carbon footprint than its paper counterpart, requiring less energy and resources for production, thus contributing less to climate change.
The First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series is significantly cleaner than paper banknotes due to its smooth and non-absorptive surface, which is resistant to water, oil, and dirt. The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed in its evidence review that viruses, including COVID-19, and bacteria last for a shorter period on polymer banknotes than on paper banknotes.
Polymer banknotes can also be sanitized with less risk of damage.
The First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series is more durable than paper banknotes, lasting two to five times longer. This leads to lower banknote issue expenses in the long run.
On average, paper banknotes last for 1.5 years, while polymer banknotes last for as long as 7.5 years.
Similarly, other countries reported longer lifespans for polymer banknotes: New Zealand at 4.8 times and Canada at 2.5 times than paper banknotes.
Polymer banknotes’ resistance to dirt, water, and oil makes them more practical for everyday use, especially in wet markets and public transportation. BSP heat resistance studies also show that the Philippines’ tropical climate does not affect the durability of these banknotes.
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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 containing multiple security features
Five highly embossed dots
Shadow Thread
Visayan Spotted Deer Portrait
Small clear window depicting the Acanthephippium mantinianum flower with embossed line structures and the text "BSP”
Indigenous weave design
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Image of Blue-naped parrot
Four highly embossed dots
Palawan Peacock Pheasant Portrait
Small clear window depicting the Ceratocentron plant flower with embossed line structures and the text "BSP”
Mayon Volcano
Image of Whale Shark
Vertical clear window with iridescent lilac figure and an embossed stylized flying eagle
Three highly embossed dots
Visayan Leopard Cat
Small clear window depicting Vidal’s Lanutan with embossed line structures and the text "BSP”
Taal Lake
Image of Maliputo
Vertical clear window with iridescent red figure and an embossed stylized flying eagle
Two highly embossed dots
Sharing is caring! Learn more about the polymer banknote series by reading these free-to-download materials.
Polymer Series Detailed FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
FPP Banknote Series Poster
FPP Banknote Series Booklet
FPP Banknote Series Brochure
Acceptance Brochure Filipino
Acceptance Brochure Cebuano
Acceptance Brochure Ilocano
Acceptance Brochure Ilonggo
Acceptance Brochure English
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