Velarde MAP

21/05/2026

A Nation Remembered, A Legacy Continued:
Shared Custodianship of a National Cultural Treasure

Following the declaration of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map as National Cultural Treasure by the National Library of the Philippines in December 2025, the Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin campaign moves forward with renewed momentum and wider engagement across sectors, with academic institutions at the forefront.

From January to May 2026, the historic Murillo Velarde 1734 Map continued its journey across institutions and communities through a series of ceremonial turnovers.

Each engagement reflected a shared commitment to strengthening historical awareness, supporting cultural education, and preserving our maritime heritage as part of Philippine national identity.

2026 Turnover Highlights: January to May

January 18 – P-Pop group 1ST. ONE: turnover and declaration as “Guardians of the Soul of the Nation”
February 20 – Map turnover with DepEd Philippines
March 17 – Map turnover with Technological University of the Philippines
April 16 – Map turnover with Central Luzon State University
May 13 – Map turnover with Professional Regulation Commission
May 18 – Map turnover with Mapúa University

As Philippine Independence Day approaches, these milestones remind us of the enduring responsibility to preserve and carry forward our shared history.

15/05/2026

2025 Murillo Velarde 1734 Map Turnover Ceremonies

16 maps. 16 recipients. One continuing legacy.

Throughout 2025, commemorative copies of the historic Murillo Velarde 1734 Map were presented to embassies, cultural centers, academic institutions, and partner organizations in the Philippines and abroad.

From Manila to Washington D.C., New York, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond, these ceremonies emphasized the map’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its relevance to Philippine heritage, diplomacy, and maritime history.

2025 Turnover Highlights:
January 30 – Technological Institute of the Philippines
February 14 – Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC)
February 25 – Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam
March 4 – Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue (Washington, D.C.)
March 6 – Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C.
March 20 – Sentro Rizal New York
April 16 – Sentro Rizal Tokyo
April 26 – Sentro Rizal Singapore
May 5 – Philippine Embassy in India
June 21 – Sentro Rizal Kuala Lumpur at the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia
July 4 – Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco
July 9 – Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Brunei Darussalam
October 3 – Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila
November 5 – Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Canada
November 7 – Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP), Inc.
December 1 – College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila

The Murillo Velarde 1734 Map continues to serve as a bridge connecting Philippine history, heritage, and diplomacy across the world.

07/12/2024

Proud to the humble bearer of our destiny’s hidden treasure.

29/10/2024

Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin: SB19 Puts the Spotlight on Mother of All Philippine Maps

Honoring our roots and championing freedom and national pride are among the messages SB19 expresses through their art and music.

The locally and internationally acclaimed P-pop group received official replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map in recognition of their advocacy for Philippine culture and heritage as National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Youth and Sentro Rizal Ambassadors, and for their contribution to raising awareness about the map.

Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and NOW Group Chairman Mel V. Velarde, who donated to the Philippine government the original Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, presented the map replicas to Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin in a historic turnover ceremony today, October 29, at the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), where the original map is now permanently displayed.

"SB19, you are more than just artists; you are modern-day navigators, charting a path for the future of P-pop,” Velarde said in his speech. “This commemorative map, a testament to our history, symbolizes the courage to embark [on] new journeys—where Filipino pride, resilience, and ingenuity shine brightly for the world to see.“

“Ang karangalang ito, ang paalaalang ito, at ang tungkuling ito ay hindi lang para po sa amin. Para ito sa bawat Pilipino, dito man sa Pilipinas o sa iba’t iba pang panig ng mundo,” said SB19 leader Pablo. “We promise to honor this responsibility, serving as a bridge between our rich history and the modern Filipino spirit.”

Since the NLP’s Permanent Gallery opened to the public in September 2024, the Velarde family and AIJC have been boosting initiatives under the national awareness and educational campaign on the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map while promoting NLP’s Permanent Gallery.

The key message, “Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin” (Our Map, Our Story), emphasizes the importance of understanding our history and cultural heritage in shaping our national identity and protecting our rights and our territory. Through various events as well as training programs for teachers, AIJC aims to engage the public in appreciating the map’s significance as a vital resource for education and cultural preservation.

In 2021, SB19 introduced the map to pop culture by featuring it in their music video for the song “What?”

By accepting the official replicas of the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, they allow the “Mother of All Philippine Maps” to share the spotlight with them and enhance awareness of its significance among A’TIN (fans of SB19), the entire Philippines, and the rest of their global audience.

“Mapa Natin, Kwento Natin” is more than a campaign; it is a call to every Filipino to embrace and celebrate the story of the nation—one that spans generations.

29/09/2024

23/09/2024

Happening tonight:

"Ngayong darating na Lunes sa Kasaysayan Kaysaya, pag-usapan natin ang saysay ng tinaguriang “first scientific map of the Philippines,” ang Murillo Velarde Map ng taong 1734.

"Makakasama ni Prof. Xiao Chua sa talakayang ito si Mr. Mel Velarde, Chairman ng Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) at ng NOW Group.

"Kita-kits tayo dito sa Facebook Live sa ganap na ika-7:30 ng gabi!"

Ngayong darating na Lunes sa Kasaysayan Kaysaya, pag-usapan natin ang saysay ng tinaguriang “first scientific map of the Philippines”, ang Murillo Velarde Map ng taong 1734.

Makakasama ni Prof. Xiao Chua sa talakayang ito si Mr. Mel Velarde, Chairman ng Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) at ng NOW Group.

Kita-kits tayo dito sa Facebook Live sa ganap na ika-7:30 ng gabi!

06/09/2024

In this Rappler interview about the 1734 Velarde Map, I reflected on a question that weighs on me daily: Will the Philippines still exist a thousand years from now? I explored themes of culture, national identity, and our understanding of origin, power, and destiny. I hope you find meaning in this discussion. Watch the interview here:

'The mother of all Philippine maps' was for centuries locked away in a British castle, and Filipino businessman Mel Velarde paid a fortune to bring it home. ...

04/09/2024

There was a minor error in the article titled "Mel Velarde: From Prodigy to CEO"—Meliton Velarde is actually my father’s name, not mine. The story highlights my journey, which began at the age of 8 when I was recognized as "The World’s Youngest Professional Photographer" while assisting my father during the 1971 Philippine Constitutional Convention. My father’s influence and legacy have always been guiding lights in my life. From national achievements in chess and academics to co-founding Sky Cable and leading NOW Corp., my journey has been shaped by dedication and hard work. I’m honored to carry forward my father’s name while forging my own path.

Thank you, Manila Standard, and Jimmy Montejo for the thoughtful article. I look forward to meeting you in person—you’ve done an impressive job with the research!

Throughout his life, Meliton “Mel” Velasco Velarde, president and chief executive of NOW Corp., has been a consistent achiever. At a very young age of 8, he received an award as “The World’s Youngest Professional Photographer” handed to him by 14th Supreme Court Chief Justice Felix Makasia...