These stamps were issued in November 2001 to commemorate " 150th Anniversary of Philippines-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations ".


Close economic relations between the two countries date from 1851. Trading is modest, Switzerland mainly exporting pharmaceutical products, machinery and watches ; while importing other machinery and agricultural products. Switzerland is allegedly cooperating closely with the Philippines on the return of illicit assets. Over 10,000 Filipinos live in Switzerland, and over 3000 Swiss live in the Philippines.


The P15 " miniature sheet " shows the Mayon Volcano ( 2,462 m ; Bicol " daragan magayon " means “ beautiful lady " ... but eruptions over the years have killed over 2000 people ) and the Matterhorn ( 4,478 m ; overlooking Swiss town of Zermatt ; over 500 deaths since first ascent 1865 ).








The P5 stamp shows the bronze William Tell Monument ( dating from 1895 ) in Altdorf, Switzerland ; national hero who was allegedly compelled to shoot an apple off his own son’s head and helped secure Swiss independence.


The P15 shows the bronze Rizal Monument ( contract awarded to Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling ; unveiled 1913 ); in Rizal Park, Manila. There is an exact replica in Madrid.








In June 1961 these stamps were issued to commemorate the birth centenary of Dr Jose Rizal, posted from his birthplace of Calamba. His execution by Spanish firing squad at the age of 35 immortalised him as a martyr and national hero.





This is Rizal Park in the 1970s ( when I first visited the Philippines ):-