The Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) received a commemorative copy of the historic Murillo Velarde 1734 Map on January 30, 2025 in a turnover ceremony held at the Anniversary Hall of T.I.P. Manila.
In attendance at the ceremonial turnover were T.I.P. President Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, NOW Telecoms and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication Chairman Mel V. Velarde, T.I.P. Executive Vice President Angel C. Lahoz and T.I.P. Senior Vice President Angelo Q. Lahoz.
The Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, also known as the “Mother of all Philippine maps”, is considered to be the first scientific map of the Philippines.
The map was published in 1734 in Manila by Father Pedro Murillo Velarde, a Spanish friar who charted the map. The map was executed later by two Filipinos, Francisco Suarez, who drew the map, and Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay, who engraved the map.
The map shows the Philippine archipelago as well as six vignettes depicting people and places in the Philippines.
During the turnover ceremony, Mr. Velarde emphasized the map’s historical significance in affirming the Filipino identity.
“We have to build a country where there is equality, equality with freedom, equality under God,” he remarked, urging the younger generation to embrace their cultural heritage and contribute to a future rooted in fairness and unity.
Accepting the commemorative map on behalf of T.I.P., Dr. Quirino-Lahoz highlighted its dual roles as a cultural artifact and a symbol of national pride. She noted that the map not only serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ rich historical legacy but also reinforces the country’s stance in asserting its rights in the West Philippine Sea.
As the institution celebrates this unique piece of history, T.I.P. reaffirms its commitment to fostering a deep appreciation for the nation’s heritage.
