The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) urged the public to give the new coin designs a chance following the backlash it received upon release.
BSP deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo said there will be campaigns that aim to familiarize the public on the new coins, reported GMA News.
“Let us give a chance to the new series as the BSP will be launching into campaigns all over the Philippines to familiarize our people with the NGC coins,” Guinigundo said in a text message sent to reporters.
Earlier, PBA Party-list Representative Jericho Nograles suggested a recall of the new coins its design is misleading and confusing for the public.
Guinigundo, however, responded that the public should first see and feel the coins.
“I am sure once they have seen and felt the coins and start knowing why we used nickel-plating which results in metallic silver for all six denominations for security and durability, they would be more open,” he added.
Guinigundo also assured the public that the designs underwent consultation process before its release.
“(L)et me clarify that the BSP spent at least two years to design the coins after a thorough survey of people’s sentiment and preferences and a comprehensive study of the latest technology in producing coins,” he said.
“These designs and dimensions were approved by the Monetary Board and endorsed to President [Rodrigo] Duterte who approved the recommendations,” he added.
