11 August 2015 - Underlining the importance of maps in widening the world view of the Filipino youth and how maps show that the Philippines is a vital cog in world history, Undersecretary Laura Q. del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), welcomed guests to the Opening of the Exhibit ““Putting the Philippines on the Map” on August 04 at the DFA Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini.

The Exhibit is a collaboration of the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations – Cultural Diplomacy Unit (CDU) and the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS).   Presenting the collections of PHIMCOS, the Exhibit intends to raise awareness and appreciation of the reading of maps, especially antique maps.  It also aims to trace the emergence of the representation of the Philippines in antique maps. 

In his Lecture at the Opening of the Exhibit, Dr. Leovino Garcia of the Department of Philosophy at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and a member of PHIMCOS, highlighted the importance of maps as instruments of power, vessels of beauty, and as archives of knowledge.

He identified the rare Ramusio-Gastaldi 1554/1563 Terza Ostro Tavola map as the “birth certificate” of the Philippines when the name “Filipina” appeared for the first time on a European document.  This was eleven years after the naming of the archipelago by the Spanish expedition leader Ruy Lopez de Villalobos.

After the Opening Lecture, Undersecretary del Rosario was joined by PHIMCOS founding member, Mr. Albert Montilla, in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, and led the guests to view the Exhibit.

The Opening was attended and warmly welcomed by teachers and students from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, Centro Escolar University, and the University of the  East, officials from the relevant government agencies, DFA officials and staff, and members of PHIMCOS.

The Exhibit is open to the public and runs from August 04 to 14 at the DFA Lobby.  END