1875 Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino to the National Library of the Philippines.

 Historic 1875 Philippine Map Donated to National Library Strengthens Cultural and Territorial Awareness



Manila, Philippines — A significant milestone in the preservation of Philippine heritage was marked on March 19, 2026, with the formal turnover of the 1875 Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino to the National Library of the Philippines.


The map was donated by former Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, completing his “Four Map Project,” a collection of historically significant cartographic documents that affirm the Philippines’ national territory.

The turnover ceremony, held at the Epifanio Delos Santos Auditorium, gathered representatives from government institutions, academia, legal sectors, and cultural organizations. The event highlighted the importance of historical maps in understanding and asserting the country’s sovereignty, particularly in relation to the West Philippine Sea.





Now permanently exhibited at the National Library’s gallery, the collection includes:

  • The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map
  • The 1808 Carta General (Part I)
  • The Treaty of Paris Map
  • The 1875 Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino


(L-R) Kuya Jess and former Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio

As cultural advocates and Guardians of Culture, we emphasize the importance of making these historical artifacts accessible to the public—especially to the youth—so they may better understand the foundations of Philippine identity and sovereignty.


I was not alone in this experience.

I was joined by Eunice Logro, our Public Relations Officer of Art Camp Philippines

—my fellow advocate and co-guardian of culture. Together, we stood not just as attendees, 

but as representatives of a growing movement committed to preserving Filipino identity through art, education, and cultural awareness.


The 1875 Carta General del Archipiélago Filipino




The National Library of the Philippines gallery is open to the public from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission.

Preserving the past is protecting the future.


Mahalin natin ang Sining at Kultura ... Alright!






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