Philippines introduces new peso bills featuring native species to promote cultural pride

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has introduced new polymer banknotes featuring native and endangered species instead of national heroes. Bohol Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor praised the designs, stating they promote pride in Filipino culture and biodiversity. Tutor defended the changes against criticism, asserting that the older peso bills with national heroes will still be in circulation. She emphasized that the new designs highlight different aspects of Filipino pride without diminishing nationalism.