One does not need to be a stamp collector to appreciate the new postage stamp unveiled by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), which features the “Mother of All Philippine Maps.”

The first scientific map of the Philippines, the “Carta Hydro graphica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas Manila 1734,” also known as the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map, was prepared by Spanish Jesuit cartographer Father Pedro Murillo Velarde together with two Filipinos, engraver Francisco Suarez and artist Nicolas dela Cruz Bagay.

It was acquired by Mel Velasco Velarde, Chairman of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) and the NOW Group, through a Sotheby’s auction in London in 2014. Velarde donated the map to the Philippine government through a deed of donation.

Now, citizens can get their hands on this significant artifact in the form of a stamp.

On March 16, PHLPost honored Philippine history and heritage through the launch of the stamp featuring the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map. It was held at the Philippine Postal Corporation Building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

Norman N. Fulgencio, Postmaster General and CEO of PHLPost, expressed his appreciation to the Velarde family.

“We are honored to be given by the Velarde family the opportunity to issue this souvenir sheet,” he said, as the launch of the stamp was organized in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world.

In his message during the ceremony, Velarde thanked PHLPost for bringing the map closer to the Filipino people.