New and improved Philippine Postal Corp.

GlobalNationInquirer.net reports "Apart from a P6 billion modernization project to increase efficiency, the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost) is mounting efforts to curb mail theft and restore the public’s trust in its services."

Philpost, which is celebrating its 109th anniversary, is bent on remaining relevant despite the emergence of Internet and text messaging according to Philippine Postmaster General Hector Villanueva.

Villanueva is quoted as saying, “Text messaging affected us because we used to handle six million letters a day (in 1992). Now it’s less than one million. Still, we’re the only one with the capability to deliver mail to the remotest barrios."

"We are trying to restore the old reputation of the post office—one of honesty, prompt service and smiling postmen. That’s our immediate mission."

To show its seriousness in cracking down on mail thieves, the Philpost has dismissed 129 of its employees, suspended 26 others, reprimanded 33 and penalized around 130 workers from 2004 to 2006.

Shown above, two unidentifed men look on old equipment used by the post office inside the Philippine Postal Main Office in Manila as it commemorates its 109th anniversary.

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