Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco (right) receives an official replica of the 1734 Murillo Velarde map from Mel Velarde, President and CEO of Velarde Inc. and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication. The Murillo Velarde map is the first scientific map of the entire archipelago, and has been regarded as the ‘mother of all Philippine maps.’ Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco thanked and lauded Velarde, noting that his endeavors are a ‘strong manifestation of love of country.’ The Murillo Velarde map served a crucial role in the Philippines’ case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.
