The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras were made by bare hands of the indigenous inhabitant in the northern part of the Philippines for more than 2000 years.

Rice being a staple food in the country, they use the terraces as planting grounds basically for rice and other crops. As keepers of culture and tradition, the rice terraces is describe as an expression of sacred tradition and a delicate social balance as they helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.

Cinque Terre, meanwhile, is a famous tourist destination in Italy. Nestled in the rugged portion of the coast in Italian Riviera, it is also a source of living for the Italian locals. Being in the coastline area, seafood is a mainstay in their local cuisine. They also grow grapes that being used to manufacture two kind of wine such as Cinque Terre and the Sciachetrà. Cinque Terre is a remarkable example of a type of a complex of buildings and architectural landscape, which illustrates a significant moment in human history.

Due to its cultural and physical significance the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao province in 1995 and the Cinque Terre of Liguria region, Italy in 1997 as world heritage sites.

Being magnificent landmarks and icons of both countries, they are now featured on the stamp, marking the 65th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy.

Established on 9 July 1947, the Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy started after the two countries signed in Rome on the Treaty of Friendship and General Relations, which was subsequently ratified on 10 December 1948.

The first Philippine Diplomatic Mission to Italy was established on 5 July 1948 as a Legation, and subsequently elevated to the level of an Embassy on 9 August 1956.

The People Power Revolution in 1986 marked the beginning of expansion of bilateral relations. Italy was among the first countries to recognize the Aquino Government in the Philippines.

With a strong diplomatic relations to date, after its first official diplomatic relations inked in 1947, the Philippine Postal Corporation is proud to present the Philippine-Italy 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations special stamp issuance.

Source: Philippines Post

published May 15th, 2013