National artist Severino Montano commemorative stamps launched

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently launched the commemorative stamps featuring the Birth Centenary (1915-2015) of Dr. Severino Montano, National Artist for Theater, held at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila. 
 Assistant Postmaster General Luis Carlos along with Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., NCCA Chairman presented the commemorative stamps frame to Pedro Montano Ruenduen, Jr., nephew of Dr. Montano, who represented the family of the late National Artist.
“The Philippine Postal Corporation pays tribute to National Artist Dr. Severino Montano and his contribution to the preservation and promotion of the arts as he joined other National Artist in the country who have been immortalized in stamps”, Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz said.
Montano, a Yale University, Master of Fine Arts graduate, is credited for professionalizing the theater industry in the Philippines with Arena Theater, which he funded with his own money and established while dean at Philippine Normal College.
Before he died in 1980, he played mentor to theater luminaries like Rolando S. Tinio, Emmanuel Borlaza, Joonee Gamboa, and Behn Cervantes.  He was a playwright, director and actor.
Among his awards and recognitions are the Patnubay ng Kalinangan Award from the City of Manila (1968), Presidential Award for Merit in Drama and Theater (1961), and the Rockefeller Foundation Grant to travel to 98 cities abroad (1950, 1952, 1962, and 1963).
The Montano Stamps is classified as a “Commemorative” kind of issue with a denomination of P10.00 and about 65,000 pieces were printed by Amstar Company, Inc. The stamp measures 40mm x 30mm and was laid out by PHLPost in-house artist, Victorino Serevo and Ryann Arengo of NCCA.
The stamps are now available at the Post Shop, Philately and Museum Division, Main Central Post Office, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio Manila. For inquiries, please call 527-01-08.