1988 Total Solar Eclipse
On March 18, 1988, a total solar eclipse was visible across parts of the Philippines. A narrow path of complete totality passed through southern Mindanao, including Davao City and General Santos City, where the eclipse lasted for approximately three minutes.
To commemorate this astronomical event, a set of two postage stamps were issued on the same day as the eclipse. The stamps were denominated at 1 piso (Scott #1922) and 5.50 piso (Scott #1923). The stamp design illustrates the stages of the solar eclipse.
1995 Total Solar Eclipse
On October 24, 1995, a historic total solar eclipse passed over the southernmost part of the Philippines. It was the last total solar eclipse visible from the country during the 20th century. Although most of the Philippine archipelago experienced only a partial eclipse, the narrow path of totality crossed the remote islands of Tawi-Tawi. There, the eclipse briefly turned the mid-morning sky into darkness, with totality lasting approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds.Unfortunately, the much-anticipated event was obscured by heavy clouds and sudden rain showers that swept across Tawi-Tawi. As totality began, the thick clouds blocked the view of the Sun and its beautiful corona from observers on the ground. Although the islands were plunged into darkness, many spectators were unable to witness the eclipse itself.
To commemorate this rare astronomical event, the Philippines issued a 2-piso postage stamp (Scott #2374) on the same day as the eclipse. Its design depicts the total solar eclipse over Tawi-Tawi beneath a cloudy sky, reflecting the conditions experienced during the event. A total of 320,000 copies of the stamp were printed.
- Stamps are shown at actual size.
- Only Philippine stamps depicting an eclipse are included in this list.
- Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
- Created: 16 August 2026
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