Sentro Rizal New York Receives Commemorative Murillo Velarde 1734 Map

New York City, U.S.A.—Filipinos in New York now have the opportunity to view the historic Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, known as the “Mother of All Philippine Maps,” at Sentro Rizal New York, located at the Philippine Consulate General.

In a turnover ceremony with Consul General Senen T. Mangalile on March 20, 2025, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) President Therese San Diego Torres represented AIJC Chairman Mel Velasco Velarde, who donated an original Murillo Velarde 1734 Map to the Philippine government. The map donated by Mr. Velarde is now permanently displayed at the National Library of the Philippines, and commemorative copies are being distributed to promote awareness and appreciation of Philippine history and territorial sovereignty.

The ceremonial turnover is part of the Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin campaign—an initiative that aims to engage Filipinos at home and abroad in celebrating their shared history and cultural identity.

The map is particularly notable for its role in the Philippines’ legal victory in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on the West Philippine Sea. It serves as a tool for understanding the nation’s maritime rights.

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