Friday, December 7, 2012

1952 Philippine Educational System 50th Anniversary



In late August, 1901, 540 American teachers sent by the U.S. government arrived in Manila aboard the transport vessel Thomas. Dubbed the "Thomasites", the pioneer teachers established a new public school system, replacing Spanish with English as the medium of instruction, and training Filipino teachers to handle the new curriculum.

"Thomasites" with their pupils

The Bureau of Posts issued a 5c stamp on January 31, 1952, commemorating  the 50th anniversary of the educational system introduced by the Americans.

 The Stamp



 First Day of Issue Cachet

The cachet features the US Army Transport Thomas which carried the teachers from San Francisco to Manila.





First Day Covers