In a landmark event for cultural heritage and national sovereignty, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) officially received an authenticated copy of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map on April 16, 2026, at the University Auditorium.
Hailed as the "Mother of All Philippine Maps," the 300-year-old document served as a crucial evidence in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling regarding the West Philippine Sea.
Opening the ceremony, Dr. Ravelina Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored the map’s significance, saying:
“It is an enduring testament to the Filipino people's identity. For CLSU, the presence of this map within our institution is both an honor and a responsibility. As a university grounded in science, agriculture, and innovation, we are reminded that knowledge is deeply rooted in history.”
The donation was presented by Mr. Mel Velasco Velarde, Chairman of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and the NOW Group. During his address, Mr. Velarde highlighted that Nueva Ecija was already documented on the map nearly three centuries ago.
“This map reminds us that places like Nueva Ecija were already part of a living geography of land, river, labor, memory, and community long before the modern nation took its present form. This is why I did not come here merely to donate a map. I came here to return a witness,” Mr. Velarde said.
He further noted that Nueva Ecija is central to the Philippine story, having fed the nation and maintained a "profound dignity" through its history of labor and community.
To formalize the donation, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella and Mr. Velarde signed a Deed of Donation, witnessed by university officials and AIJC President Ms. Therese San Diego Torres.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ariel G. Mactal, Vice President for Administration, highlighted the map's role in the Filipino identity by invoking the powerful words of Carlos P. Romulo:
“I am a Filipino, inheritor of the glorious past, hostage of the uncertain future… I am a Filipino born to freedom. And I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance. For myself, and for my children's children, forever.”
Dr. Mactal further expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Velarde and pledged that the university would ensure the map continues its legacy as a vital educational tool.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Velarde for his remarkable generosity and patriotism… CLSU embraces its role as a steward of this cultural treasure. We commit to preserving its value and ensuring that it becomes an active instrument of learning… May this map inspire our students to appreciate the depth of our history, to take pride in our identity, and to remain mindful of the responsibility of safeguarding our nation's heritage,” he said.
The authenticated copy will be permanently displayed at the Dungon: Museo de CLSU, where it will serve as a source of inspiration for the CLSU community and future generations of Filipinos.
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