Historian Ambeth Ocampo Cites Significance of Maps in Appreciating PH-NL Connections

The Hague 28 March 2025 – The Philippines and the Netherlands early historical connections were highlighted by historian Ambeth R. Ocampo using old maps and cartography during his lecture “The Philippines, Maps, and the Emergence of Nation” on 24 March 2025 at the Leiden University. The lecture was organized in collaboration with the Asian Studies International Association. 

In his introductory remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said the works of Ocampo have profoundly influenced how Filipinos approach and appreciate history by looking at “beyond the usual” historical narratives, and made history interesting to students and scholars alike. “For Ocampo, maps are not merely tools for navigation, but are powerful instruments that shape our understanding of geography, culture, and belonging,” the Ambassador added.

Mr. Ocampo, Professor of History at the Ateneo de Manila University and Distinguished Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle University, showed various historical maps depicting the Philippines, notably the old Southeast Asian map by Dutch Jan Huygen van Linschoten in 1598, and the Mercator-Hondius 1619 map, which made references to the naval battles between the Spanish and Dutch fleets in Philippine waters. A map by Joris van Spilbergen of the same year was also shown. He also presented photos of various historical artifacts, notably captured old cannons with the markings “VOC,” the initials of Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company), that are displayed in Intramuros and Zamboanga city park.

“Old maps have contemporary significance as to what they include and exclude. They also serve as a basis of a nation’s territories, contributing to shaping national identity,” Ocampo said. 

During his visit to Leiden University, Ocampo had a meeting with Dr. Philippe Peycam, Director of the International Institute for Asian Studies, and discussed possible academic initiatives. Two Filipino staff members at the Institute were at the meeting, namely Mary Lynn Van Dijk and Joaquin Lapuz.

Ambassador Malaya presented to Dr. Peycam the Dutch translations of José Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere (Raak me niet aan!) and El Filibusterismo (De revolutie), translated by Mr. Gerard Arp, while Mr. Ocampo gave a copy of his books “Cabinet of Curiosities: History from Philippine Artifacts,” “Meaning and History,” and “Queridas De Rizal.” Ocampo is the author of “Looking Back,” the longest running editorial page column on history in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and has published over 35 books, including the widely-read “Rizal without the Overcoat.”

The IIAS is a leading research institute and knowledge exchange platform that supports, initiates and engages in different types of interdisciplinary programmes and international networks (https://www.iias.asia/). 

Established in 1575, the Leiden University (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en) is one of the leading international research universities in Europe. It has seven faculties and campuses located in Leiden and The Hague. The university conducts research on five broad clusters, namely fundamentals of science, life sciences, health and well-being, law, politics and administration, languages, cultures, arts and societies, and artificial intelligence. END

Mr. Ocampo, Ambassador Malaya and Leiden University - Asian Studies International Association students

Mr. Ocampo, Ambassador Malaya, Dr. Philippe Peycam and officials of IIAS

(L-R) Dr. Peycam, Ambassador Malaya and Mr. Ocampo

For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://twitter.com/PHinTheHague or  https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.