Mapping Its Way Home: Mapúa University to Welcome the Historic 1734 Murillo Velarde Map

Article by: Marco R. Sunga

Graphics by: Marcell Patricio

On May 18, 2026, Mapúa University (MU) is set to welcome a national relic in its red and gold halls, becoming part of the small community of Philippine universities to receive an authenticated replica of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map. Known as the “Mother of All Philippine Maps,” this landmark donation continues Mapúa’s role in preserving Filipino identity and fostering a generation grounded in history and socio-political awareness. By housing this rare artifact, the University provides its community with a tangible connection to the foundational narrative of the Filipino nation. 

The Soul of the Archipelago 

The 1734 Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, most known as the Velarde Map, is more than a geographical record; it is a masterpiece of Filipino artistry and scientific discipline. Drafted by Spanish Jesuit cartographer Father Pedro Murillo Velarde, the map’s true distinction lies in the hands that brought it to life—Filipino engraver Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay and artist Francisco Suárez. Together, they created the first scientific map of the entire Philippine archipelago, featuring twelve detailed vignettes that capture 18th-century Filipino life. For centuries, the original copper plates served as the definitive representation of the islands before they were seized by British forces during the 1762 occupation of Manila and transported to England. 

In 2014, the map’s historical journey took a dramatic turn when Filipino entrepreneur and educator Mel Velarde acquired an original 1734 printing at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This specific copy, once part of the Duke of Northumberland’s collection, was subsequently donated to the Philippine government and officially declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Library of the Philippines. Today, this artifact serves as the "Mother of All Philippine Maps," having played a pivotal role as evidence in the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory at The Hague regarding the West Philippine Sea.

Before reaching the walls of Mapúa, the map has been the subject of a nationwide awareness campaign, with only 10 authenticated, full-scale replicas commissioned for placement in strategic academic and cultural hubs. 

From Arrival to Unveiling

Following a public announcement and the introduction of the committee on April 24, the authenticated replica arrived after weeks of coordination with the respective authorities. This early arrival allowed the committee to secure the map’s permanent housing and begin constructing the specialized frame required for the facsimile, ensuring it meets the standards of a national cultural artifact. 

The entire initiative culminates in a grand Public Unveiling on May 18, 2026, featuring a formal program with a symbolic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo and Chairman Mel Velarde. The ceremony will also include keynote addresses from distinguished figures, including Admiral Jay Tarriela and representatives of the National Historical Council of the Philippines. The reception of the Murillo Velarde Map is a profound milestone that cements Mapúa University’s role as a steward of cultural patrimony. By integrating the "Mother of All Philippine Maps" into the storied grounds of Intramuros, the University ensures that the past is not just remembered but meaningfully lived by its students and faculty.

To manage this significant arrival, MU has dedicated a committee that ensures every detail—from structural infrastructure to student engagement—is handled with academic precision. The project serves as a clear manifestation of Mapúa’s commitment to social responsibility and the promotion of historical preservation within its community. 

The committee is led by Project Chairperson Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto and Project Co-Chairperson Prof. Cesar Rome V. Delos Reyes from the School of Foundational Studies and Education. They are joined by key members, including Dr. Junar Tablan, Dr. David Corpuz, and Prof. Oliver Ryan B. Custodio. Additionally, experts like Ms. Margarita V. Camacho, Ms. Crzthlv E. Bisa, Prof. Kimberly Soria, and Asst. Prof. Rodrigo Emil Carreon provides essential support in campus development, publicity, and library management. 

The committee through Asst. Prof Carreon emphasized the importance of the map then and now to our country, “This map once asserted the Philippine Territory, but [to] us that must always assert our Filipino identity, a Filipino who is always advocating for the good of the country, its people, and the common good, a Filipino who is angry at corruption, a Filipino who is against injustice and a Filipino that is always hopeful. Isang Pilipinong Maka - Pilipinas.  We hope and pray that through this event, the Mapúan Community will indeed see not only the historical value of this heritage but rather the impact of such to the current generation and posterity [...] It is not just a map; it is a map that says, "Atin ang West Philippine Sea." It is ours.” 

As the map finds its permanent home, it stands as a beacon of national pride and a constant reminder of the Filipino narrative of nationhood. The University will play its part in successfully bridging the gap between historical archival and modern academic engagement, fostering a future generation that is deeply rooted in their identity and purpose.