1734 PHL map turned over to Nolcom

On June 28, 2016, business leader Mel V. Velarde (NOW Corp CEO and AIJC chairman) officially donated the first life-size replica of the 1734 Carta Hydrográfica y Chorográfica de las Filipinas to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), represented by Lt Gen Romeo Tanalgo

The turnover ceremony took place at Camp Aquino, Tarlac City, where Velarde handed the framed replica to Gen Tanalgo

The Murillo‑Velarde 1734 map is often called the “mother of all Philippine maps”—recognized as the first scientific chart of the archipelago. It clearly depicts Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as part of the Philippines, evidence with ongoing relevance in territorial claims. Velarde emphasized that since NOLCOM is responsible for the defense of the northern maritime territory, including Scarborough Shoal, the map symbolizes their duty as “protector, watcher, caretaker and defender” of Philippine sovereignty.

Lt Gen Tanalgo described the donation as a unique and patriotic gesture, inspiring bayanihan in defending national territory.