AIJC Chairman Mel V. Velarde presents Ambassador MaryKay Carlson with the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map Commemorative Stamp during the U.S.-PH Strategic Bilateral Dialogue.
January 21, 2023

The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map holds significant historical and geopolitical importance for both the Philippines and the United States. As a close ally in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines plays a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and security. The map, created by the Filipino scholar and cartographer Pedro Murillo Velarde, showcases the rich cultural heritage and maritime history of the Philippines.

For the United States, the map serves as a reminder of the historical ties that bind the two nations together. The Philippines and the US have shared a long-standing alliance marked by mutual cooperation, military partnership, and cultural exchange. This commemorative stamp not only honors the historical significance of the Murillo Velarde Map but also highlights the shared values and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

As the Ambassador of the US to the Philippines, Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson receives the stamp, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two countries and their joint commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.