PPC says mail remains an option

CEBU - With the introduction of long-distance communication such as electronic mailing, texting and online chatting among others, it might be interesting to know that traditional letter sending is still coping with the competition. 

But despite this the Philippine Postal Corporation admitted that there is a significant decrease in the volume of ordinary mail received for delivery in various postal stations in Central Visayas.

In Cebu City alone, PPC said that a 10-percent decrease in the volume of ordinary mail was recorded from 2007 to 2008. The decrease has been continuous over the past few years since modern technology became the preference of the public.

The PPC however continues to believe that traditional mailing will not diminish as long as it continues to gain support from the government and the public.

PPC Talisay City Postal District manager Esterlina Gerasta said that traditional letter sending has its own edge over modern technology as texts and e-mails can be easily erased while letters can be kept as long as people want.

While there is a decrease in the volume of ordinary mail, premium mail has however increased according to PPC. Premium mail, such as international express mail and the like, are recorded. Ordinary mail is unrecorded and cannot be traced back.

PPC Cebu City recorded an eight-percent increase in the number or premium service availability among clients for the same period.

PPC encouraged the public not to use ordinary mail services because these are not traceable that in the event, mail fails to reach the addressee, it cannot be traced from the PPC. 

Instead, PPC insists that the public should use premium services because premium mail is recorded and can be traced if ever it was not delivered to the supposed receiver.

PPC said that clients are assured of insurance for their letter while they have to pay only a little higher than the fee that ordinary mail service requires.

PPC also urged the public to follow the formal style of writing so as to minimize the number of undelivered mails in the postal stations. Gerasta said that undelivered mails are mostly those with insufficient address in it which makes it difficult for the postmen to trace the addressee.

For undelivered mails, PPC attempts to send thrice and verify it with the post master before it is retuned to the sender. PPC said they will consider urging tellers to check the address before they receive the letter to their postal office. — Jessica Ann R.   Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)