On 12 June 2025, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Meynardo LB. Montealegre, unveiled the replica of the 1734 Murillo Map. The unveiling ceremony was held as part of the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence held at the Chancery of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi.
Speaking before the members of the Filipino Community, Ambassador Montealegre explained that the Murillo Map, which was published in 1734, serves as a testament of the Philippines’ deep historical roots and identity as a nation.
“Today, on this very important occasion commemorating the declaration of our independence and the establishment of Philippine nationhood, I am pleased to inform all of you that last year, the Philippine Embassy was gifted once copy of the Murillo Map of 1734 by Mr. Mel Velarde, and I am privileged to unveil and share it all with you.”
“Widely regarded as ‘the mother of all Philippine maps’, the Murillo Map of 1734 features details that not only captures geographical contours of our archipelago. It provides a snapshot of the vibrant interplay of cultures, peoples and traditions of our nation as far back as the early 18th century. It also became a critical piece of evidence in the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that upheld the Philippines’ rights and entitlements over the West Philippine Sea,” Ambassador Montealegre explained.
Ambassador Montealegre also gave a brief historical information on how the Murillo Map was acquired by the Philippine Government through Mr. Mel Velarde. The replica of the Murillo Map will be proudly and permanently displayed in the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal.
“I sincerely hope that this scientific and historical document will continue to provide inspiration to Filipinos visiting the Embassy and those living and working in Vietnam not to forget the extent of our territory and our rich patrimony and history,” the Ambassador concluded.
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