President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally received the original Murillo Velarde 1734 map during a turnover event at Malacañang on Friday.
The Murillo Velarde 1734 map, or Carta Hydro-graphica y Choro-graphica de las Yslas Filipinas, reflects the deep historical roots of the nation.
“Beyond its intricate detail and craftsmanship, it is a defining testament to the deep historical roots of our very identity as a nation,” President Marcos Jr. said.
Marcos highlighted that the map includes more than just rivers and coastlines, featuring depictions of indigenous Filipinos, mestizos, and Sangleyes, along with vibrant ports and lush rural landscapes.
He reminded everyone to see beyond the artistry of the masterpiece and focus on its core message: the call to protect and assert what belongs to us, with conviction and integrity.
The historic map was part of over 270 maps presented by the Philippines to the Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2013.
Serving as critical evidence, the map strengthened the Philippines' territorial claims, playing a key role in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision at The Hague that affirmed the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Referred to as the "Mother of All Philippine Maps," it was created by Spanish Jesuit Friar Pedro Murillo Velarde, with the collaboration of two Filipino artisans: Francisco Suarez, who illustrated the map, and Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay, who engraved it.
Mel Velasco Velarde acquired the map at a 2014 Sotheby’s auction in London and later donated it to the Philippine government.
