DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) – An official from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) encouraged cashiers to share accurate information about polymer banknotes.
Speaking at the conclusion of a training session for cashiers from banks, supermarkets, and government agencies in Daet, Camarines Norte, on January 24, BSP Bicol Director Tomas Cariño emphasized the importance of cashiers becoming partners in disseminating information about the country’s first series of polymer banknotes.
Cariño explained that the training was designed to provide cashiers with first-hand knowledge of the banknote series, helping them understand the reasons behind the BSP’s issuance of polymer notes and familiarize themselves with their security features to distinguish genuine notes from counterfeit ones.
This training followed the release of new designs for the P50, P100, and P500 to banks in Camarines Norte on January 3.
Jose Roberto Almeda, a bank officer at BSP, said that the newly released polymer banknotes are more effective at preventing counterfeiting and are also more cost-effective.
“The polymer banknotes are smarter, cleaner, and stronger,” he said.
Almeda further explained that each polymer banknote is “smarter” due to an expanded range of security features that enhance their security.
They are “cleaner” because of their smooth, non-porous surface, which resists dirt, water, oil, and microbial contamination, he said.
“They are also stronger because polymer banknotes are more durable and have a longer lifespan in circulation, making them cost-effective,” he added.
Almeda urged cashiers to accept questionable bills and mutilated banknotes, instructing them to surrender these notes to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for examination.
Banks will provide an acknowledgment receipt to individuals who submit these bills, he said.
Theresa Villaluz, a client service associate at Banco de Oro, expressed her appreciation for the training.
‘’Maganda ang ganitong technical training para sa akin na bank employee, araw-araw may mga kliyente kami, malaking tulong ito para ma familiarize ang pera lalo na me bagong lumabas na polymer,’’ she said.
(The technical training is beneficial for me as a bank employee. Since we interact with clients every day, it significantly helps me familiarize myself with the new polymer money.)
Villaluz said she learned during the training how to detect genuine polymer banknotes using feel, touch, and tilt.
As a collecting officer of the Registry of Deeds, Sarah Jane Babol said that the training session was a great help in correcting the information that the polymer should not be folded because it will be demonetized, but the BSP clarified that it will not.’’
Babol also praised the BSP for clarifying that paper bills will continue to coexist with the polymer banknote series.
She also said that she knows what to do just in case she encounters a doubtful bill because she can explain to the clients her basis if it is fake. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)
