President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. highlighted the historical roots of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map as the centuries old document was presented over at the Malacañang Palace.
In his speech, he emphasized the features of the map including the rivers and coastlines and the depictions of indigenous Filipinos, mestizos, and Sangleyes.
"The map encapsulates not just the geographical contours of our archipelago but also the vibrant interplay of cultures, of peoples, and traditions that define our nation," he said.
The map is known as the “Mother of all Philippine maps,” it was created in 1734 by Filipino cartographer Francisco Suarez and engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay with guidance from Spanish Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde.
It played an instrumental role in the affirmation of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. It was among the 270 maps that was also presented to the arbitral tribunal.
"The Murillo Velarde Map, in particular, provided critical evidence to demonstrate that the Philippines has continuously exercised authority and jurisdiction over what it is now identified as Panacot Shoal — now Scarborough Shoal — and Los Bajos de Paragua — Spratly Islands," Marcos said.
"This map’s significance transcends the time that it has existed," he added.
Marcos noted that the priceless artifact is an important gift from the past that defined the territory of the Philippines. "It is now our duty to carry its legacy forward to future generations".
The Chief Executive urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the enduring message of the Velarde map: to protect and assert Philippine sovereignty with resolve and integrity.
"We hold the pen to write the next chapters of our nation’s history — chapters that uphold the principles of justice, truth, and unity," Marcos said.
"Let us ensure that the legacy of the Murillo Velarde Map continues to guide us in our journey as a nation, steadfast in our identity and resolute in our aspirations," he added.
Marcos thanked businessman Mel Velarde who acquired the historic map at an auction in London in 2014.
Velarde donated the map to the national government and will be placed in the National Museum.