29 April 2025, Singapore — On 26 April 2025, the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore received a replica of the historic 1734 Murillo Velarde map, from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), a Philippine-based graduate school of journalism in the Philippines, in coordination with the National Commission of the Culture and Arts (NCCA).

In a simple turnover ceremony, AIJC President Ms. Therese Patricia San Diego Torres emphasized the Institute’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that nurture appreciation for Philippine heritage, especially among overseas Filipinos. As he received the  replica of the map, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig expressed his gratitude to AIJC, and remarked that the map’s presence at Sentro Rizal Singapore will serve as an enduring reminder of the country’s rich history and cultural identity.

During the ceremony, a special video was presented featuring P-pop group and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors SB19. Through their music and advocacy, SB19 celebrates Filipino pride and culture, perfectly complementing the event’s theme “Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin” (Our Map, Our Story) of honoring Philippine identity through both historical legacy and contemporary artistic expressions.

The Murillo Velarde map, also known as Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, regarded as the “Mother of all Philippine Maps,” was originally crafted by Jesuit cartographer Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, drawn by Nicolas Suarez,  printed and engraved by Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay. The map was celebrated for its detailed illustration of the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish colonial period and was recognized as the most accurate map of the Philippines. The original map is displayed at the National Library of the Philippines for public viewing.

Mr. Mel Velasco Velarde, a Filipino businessman and Chair of the AIJC, acquired the original 1734 Murillo Velarde map in 2014 through an auction held by Sotheby’s in London. He later donated the map to the Philippine government, which has been instrumental in affirming the Philippines’ territorial claims, serving as critical evidence in the landmark 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, which upheld the nation’s rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

In September 2024, a 1734 Murillo Velarde map replica was donated by the Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. in appreciation of the Embassy’s support in advancing Philippine-Singapore defense cooperation. Two months later, in November 2024, the Embassy once again received replicas of the map, this time donated by Mr. Mel Velasco Velarde himself. 

The 1734 map was likewise displayed during the Asian Civilisation Museum’s (ACM) Manila Galleon Exhibit entitled “From Asia to Americas” which was organized by the ACM with the support of partners, including the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. The exhibit, which ran from 16 November 2023 to 17 March 2024, showed the principal sea routes of the galleons from Manila to Mexico and Spain, which illustrated the extensive maritime network that connected Asia, the Americas and Europe at the height of the galleon trade.  

Replicas of the maps will be on permanent exhibit at the Philippine Embassy, as part of its ongoing efforts to educate and inspire visitors about the rich history and enduring legacy  of the Philippines. 

In celebration of the National Heritage Month this May, a smaller version of the Murillo Velarde map will be on display at the Philippine Embassy Consular Area starting on 01 May 2025. Kababayans in Singapore are invited to take their selfies with the map and upload them on this link. END