Rappler Talk: Mel Velarde on the meaning of the 1734 Murillo-Velarde map

Summary

In this Rappler Talk edition, Mel Velasco Varde discusses his advocacy for the Muró-Varde map, a 1734 artifact that documents the Philippines' maritime history and territorial claims. Varde shares his journey in acquiring the map, its significance in the 2014 arbitration case against China, and his vision for the map's impact on Filipinos' national identity and sovereignty. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the map as a cultural artifact and a testament to the Philippines' resilience and history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview discusses the rich maritime history of the Philippines and its current geopolitical challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
• 🌏 Mel Velasco Varde, a businessman and chairperson of NOW Corporation and NOW Telecom, shares his advocacy for the Murillo Velarde map, a significant historical artifact.
• 🗺️ The Murillo Velarde map, dating back to 1734, is a crucial document that outlines the Philippines' territorial claims and is named after its creators.
• 💰 Varde's initial interest in the map was sparked by the 2012 territorial crisis with China, leading to his involvement in a lawsuit and the map's acquisition.
• 🏆 The map was successfully brought to the Philippines after a competitive bidding process, costing significantly more than the initial estimate.
• 🤝 Varde's efforts to acquire the map were supported by the Philippine government and the Solicitor General's office, highlighting a collaborative approach to preserving national heritage.
• 🌟 The map holds contemporary significance beyond territorial disputes, serving as a symbol of Filipino identity, culture, and worldview.
• 📚 Replicas of the map have been donated to various locations worldwide to raise awareness and educate people about the Philippines' historical claims.
• 🔍 The map's detailed engravings and illustrations provide insights into the lives, skills, and values of the early Filipinos, reflecting a self-reliant and morally aware society.
• ⚖️ The Murillo Velarde map played a pivotal role in the arbitral case against China, reinforcing the Philippines' territorial claims with historical evidence.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Murillo Velarde map in Philippine history?

The Murillo Velarde map is significant as it documents the Philippine archipelago's geography and territorial claims as early as 1734, providing historical evidence of the country's sovereignty, especially in the context of current disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

Why did Mel Velasco decide to acquire the Murillo Velarde map?

Mel Velasco was motivated to acquire the map due to the 2012 territorial crisis with China, where he felt the need to assert and prove the Philippines' claims over certain islands. The map was seen as a crucial piece of evidence for this purpose.

What was the initial estimate for the cost of acquiring the map, and what was the final cost?

The initial estimate was 2 million pesos, but the final cost ended up being around 12 to 13 million pesos, including insurance, legal fees, and other expenses.

How did Mel Velasco overcome the challenge of bringing the map to the Philippines?

Mel Velasco, with the help of the office of the solicitor general, represented by Justice Henry Angeles, was able to convince the British government that the map was not part of British patrimony, allowing him to bring it to the Philippines.

What is the contemporary significance of the Murillo Velarde map according to Mel Velasco?

Mel Velasco sees the map as a symbol of national identity and a call to action for future generations to defend the Philippines' sovereignty and cultural heritage. He believes it can inspire a strong sense of nationhood and resilience.

Why did Mel Velasco donate replicas of the map to various entities around the world?

Mel Velasco donated replicas to raise awareness and ensure that more people understand the map's significance, both historically and in the context of current territorial disputes.

What is the connection between the Murillo Velarde map and the arbitral award to the Philippines?

The map was instrumental in the arbitral case against China, as it provided historical evidence supporting the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea, which contributed to the arbitral tribunal's ruling in favor of the Philippines.

How does Mel Velasco view the current aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea?

Mel Velasco views the aggression as a challenge that should strengthen the resolve of the Filipino people to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity, rather than a cause for anger or despair.

What does Mel Velasco hope visitors will take away from seeing the Murillo Velarde map at the National Library of the Philippines?

He hopes that visitors, especially the youth, will gain a deeper understanding of Philippine history, a sense of national pride, and a commitment to preserving the country's sovereignty for future generations.

What is Mel Velasco's vision for the widespread dissemination of the map?

Mel Velasco dreams of printing 120 million copies of the map for every Filipino, to instill a sense of ownership and national identity. He also envisions a digital copy with a QR code for easy access and sharing.