'Mother of all Phl maps' finds new home

It was described as the smoking gun versus China’s nine-dash line claim and sealed the landmark victory of the Philippines in its arbitration case on the South China Sea.

- Janvic Mateo

The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map, known as the “Mother of All Philippine Maps,” provided historical proof that the Philippines has sovereignty over areas claimed by China.

Soon, the public can finally view the original map up close – free of charge.

The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) on Friday inaugurated its Permanent Gallery, which will be the permanent home of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map, described as the first scientific map of the Philippines.

“After years of navigating budget proposals, approvals, intricate architectural designs and competitive bidding processes – interrupted by the global pandemic and subsequent budget reallocations – leading to the commencement of actual construction and meticulous refurbishment, the Permanent Gallery at the National Library is finally ready to welcome the public this September,” NLP director Cesar Gilbert Adriano said in a statement.