The Central Bank of the Philippines published a World Wildlife Day message linking biodiversity conservation awareness to the First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series, which is designed to reflect Filipinos’ role as stewards of the country’s natural resources by featuring protected wildlife and native flora. The PHP 1,000 polymer note features the Philippine eagle and the sampaguita, the PHP 500 the Visayan spotted deer and Acanthephippium mantinianum, the PHP 100 the Palawan peacock-pheasant and Ceratocentron fesselii, and the PHP 50 the Visayan leopard cat and Vidal's lanutan. Wildlife photographer Floyd Bermejo, whose images of the Visayan leopard cat “Kyle” and the Philippine eagle appear on the PHP 50 and PHP 1,000 polymer notes respectively, said he donated the photos to help build public interest in protecting species and habitats; the release notes the Visayan leopard cat has been classified as “vulnerable” since 2008 due to habitat loss and declining populations and is found only in Negros, Panay, and Cebu.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2026-03-03
Central Bank of the Philippines marks World Wildlife Day by spotlighting protected species on its polymer banknotes
The Central Bank of the Philippines issued a World Wildlife Day message highlighting the First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series, featuring protected wildlife and native flora to emphasize biodiversity conservation. The series includes images of the Philippine eagle, Visayan spotted deer, Palawan peacock-pheasant, and Visayan leopard cat, with contributions from wildlife photographer Floyd Bermejo. The initiative aims to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting species and habitats.