AWARD WINNING CHRISTMAS SEALS OF THE PHILIPPINE TUBERCULOSIS SOCIETY, INC.

By Linda Stanfield

Christmas Seals are normally used as a traditional method of raising funds for many Tuberculosis (TB) and lung associations worldwide.    They are a set of colorful stamp-like seals that depict scenes and culture particular to the issuing country.  They are commonly used to decorate various mails during Christmas seasons like greeting cards, letters and envelopes, in addition to the official postage stamps.  The cross of Lorraine, the emblem commonly used by TB associations globally,   is often incorporated with the seal designs.

Since 1904, lung health associations have raised millions of dollars in funds for lung diseases by selling Christmas or TB seals.  The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease  honors these important fundraising and public-awareness campaigns by inviting Constituent and Organizational Members to display their seals at the Annual World Conference.  True to its colorful traditions,  members vote for their favorite seals during the General Assembly.

The Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI) won several of these awards.  The following are the winning entries from the Philippines with their respective certificates:

2015 - FIRST PRIZE Cape Town, South Africa "Mabuhay Philippines" Overprinted for Pope Francis Pastoral Visit Original 2003 Design by Manuel Baldemor

	2013 - FIRST PRIZE Paris, France Symphony of Flowers - Panagbenga Festival By 35 Well Known Filipino Artists Issued:  August 7, 2013 Quantity:  30,000 Sheets
	2012 - SECOND PRIZE  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Philippine Wonders By 32 Well Known Filipino Artists Issued:  August 28, 2012 Quantity:  50,000 Sheets
	2010 - SECOND PRIZE Berlin, Germany Saving Mother Earth By 40 Well Known Filipino Artists Issued:  August 17, 2010 Quantity:  80,000 Sheets
	2009 - FIRST PRIZE Cancun, Mexico Pinoy Art on Wheels By 37 Well Known Filipino Artists Issued:  August 26, 2009 Quantity:  80,000 Sheets
	2008 - SECOND PRIZE Paris, France Outstanding Filipinos of the Century With Gold Overprint Original Design By Jimmy D. Yatco, Filipino Artist Issued:  August 26, 2008 Quantity:  10,000 Sheets (perforate);  100 Sheets (imperforate)
(Certificate Missing)	2006 - SECOND PRIZE Paris, France Andres Bonifacio Heroism in Bronze Sculpture by Guillermo E. Tolentino Photographed by:  Edgardo S. Santiago Issued:  August 23, 2006 Quantity:  80,000 Sheets (perforate);  1,000 Sheets (Imperforate)
	2005 - FIRST PRIZE Paris, France Philippine Madonna By 37 Well Known Filipino Artists Issued:  September 16, 2005 Quantity:  130,000 Sheets (perforate);  1,000 Sheets (imperforate)
	2004 - SECOND PRIZE Paris, France Philippine Flower Festival By 35 Well Known Artists (3 are National Artists) Issued:  August 31, 2004 Quantity:  129,000 Sheets (perforate);  1,000 Sheets (imperforte)
	2003 - SECOND PRIZE Paris, France Mabuhay Philippines By Manuel D. Baldemor Issued:  August 28, 2003 Quantity:  100,000 Sheets (perforate);  1,000 Sheets (imperforate)