MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) – Museo El Deposito together with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) History Society opened the West Philippine Sea exhibit ‘Pag-asa sa Gitna ng Kalayaan’ at the Main Building of the UST last 14 January 2025.

Mr. Mel Velarde, donor of the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map now in the care of the National Library of the Philippines, led the ribbon cutting. He was joined by NHCP Commissioner Dr. Ma. Eloisa P. de Castro, UST Faculty of Arts and Letters Dean Dr. Melanie D. Turingan, UST HistSoc Acting President Allexus Andaya, and photographer Paul Quiambao.

UST students and faculty attended the event along with representatives of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Adamson University.

The collection was first displayed at the National Library of the Philippines in July 2024. It was brought to Adamson University in August and the University of Asia and the Pacific in October. Aside from photos by Mr. Quiambao, some of the cartographic treasures of the NLP, the miniature of the BRP Sierra Madre and the original flag of the Freedomland from Admiral Tomas Cloma are also featured. The exhibit shall end on 7 February 2025 with a closing lecture by Ret. Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on 14 February at the UST Florence Nightingale Hall.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.

 

 

Refer to:

 

NHCP Communications Team
T.M. Kalaw Ave., Ermita, Manila 1000
info@nhcp.gov.ph  | nhcpcommunications@gmail.com
(+632) 5335-1217 | (+63960) 328-4200