Chicago library archives Murillo Velarde map, Philippines manuscripts

MANILA, Philippines — The Newberry Library in Chicago has electronically archived the 1734 Murillo Velarde map, which was presented as evidence in the 2016 arbitral proceedings against China’s illegal claims in the South China Sea, as well as Philippine manuscripts from the Spanish period.

Philippine Consul General in Chicago J. Susana Paez visited the library on Oct. 4 as part of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month celebration.

The highlight of the visit featured the viewing of the Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas, a 1734 map designed by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde.

The map shows early maritime routes from Manila to Spain and New Spain. This map is one of only 12 prints known to be in existence.

The Newberry Library also has the largest collection of Dr. Jose Rizal manuscripts outside the Philippines, including his medical notebooks, diaries and the original print of “Mi Ultimo Pensamiento.”