INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 map — considered to be the “mother of all Philippine maps” — have been turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the agency said Wednesday.
According to the PCG, the replicas, which were donated by Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication chairman Mr. Mel Velarde, were received by Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu in a turnover ceremony on Feb. 13.
The PCG said the Murillo Velarde 1734 map is the hydrographical and chorographical chart of the detailed territory of the Philippines Islands nearly 300 years ago, which was the first and most important map of the country.
The map was made and first published by Spanish Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde (1969-1953) together with two Filipinos, engraver Francisco Suarez and artist Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay.
Abu said it was an honor that the PCG has been entrusted with the replicas of the map, which he said, will remind of the glorious history of the country.
The said map was also used as a visual representation of the country’s sovereign territorial rights.
READ: Crucial in any West PH Sea debate is the 1734 Murillo Velarde map
Furthermore, PCG did not specify where it received the replicas. — Mae Anne F. Bilolo, INQUIRER.net intern