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Pierre Murillo Velarde: The Jesuit Cartographer of Manila

Pierre Murillo Velarde, born Pedro Murillo Velarde on August 6, 1696, in Villa Laujar, Granada, Spain, was a Jesuit priest, historian, missionary, and notably, one of the most influential cartographers in the Spanish Philippines during the 18th century. His life and work are emblematic of the Jesuit contribution to science, theology, and geography during the colonial period, particularly in the Philippines.

Murillo Velarde joined the Society of Jesus at the age of 22, marking the beginning of his extensive education in theology and canon law. His academic pursuits led him to become a professor at the University of St. Ignatius in Manila, where he arrived in 1723 after journeying through Mexico. His scholarly reputation preceded him, and he was soon engaged in numerous ecclesiastical and administrative roles, including rector of the San Pedro Macati, Qualifier of the Holy Office, and Visitor to the missions in Mindanao. These positions not only highlighted his administrative capabilities but also his deep involvement in the missionary work in the Philippines.

His most enduring legacy, however, lies in cartography. In 1734, under the directive of Governor General Fernando Valdés Tamón, who was responding to a royal order from King Philip V of Spain for an accurate map of the archipelago, Murillo Velarde embarked on what would become his magnum opus, the "Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Islas Filipinas." This map, often simply referred to as the Murillo Velarde Map, is considered the first and most significant scientific map of the Philippines.

The creation of this map was a collaborative effort; Murillo Velarde worked with Filipino engraver Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay and artist Francisco Suárez. The map was not merely a geographical tool but also an ethnographic document, featuring side panels with twelve engravings, eight of which depicted various ethnic groups of the Philippines alongside city plans like Manila, Cavite, and Zamboanga. This detailed representation served both as a navigation aid and as a record of the cultural diversity of the archipelago, reflecting Murillo Velarde's comprehensive understanding of the region.

The map was revolutionary for its time, providing accurate delineations of the Philippine islands, including landmarks, routes, and key geographic features. Its precision and artistic quality made it widely recognized and reproduced, with versions appearing in Manila (1744), Vienna (1748), Nuremberg (1760), and even being used as a reference in Juan de la Concepción's "Historia General de Philipinas" in 1788. During the British occupation of Manila from 1762 to 1764, the copper plates used for printing this map were seized and brought to England, where they were used to produce additional copies, some of which found their way into prestigious collections.

Beyond cartography, Murillo Velarde was a prolific writer. He authored several works, including "Cursus juris canonici, hispani et indici" (1743), a comprehensive text on canon law, and "Historia de la provincia de Philipinas de la Compañia de Jesus" (1749), which provided a detailed history of Jesuit activities in the Philippines. His final work, "Geographica historica" (1752), was a ten-volume set further exploring geographical and historical themes.

Despite his scholarly and ecclesiastical success, Murillo Velarde was also known for his criticism of the Spanish colonial administration for its treatment of the indigenous population, advocating for more humane policies. His voice was one among several Jesuits who sought to ameliorate the conditions of the natives under Spanish rule.

Murillo Velarde's life ended on November 30, 1753, in Puerto Santa Maria, Spain, but his work continued to influence Philippine history and cartography. His map has been pivotal in modern legal and historical discussions, particularly in the Philippines' claims over maritime territories in the South China Sea, where it was used as evidence in the 2016 international arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines against China's expansive claims.

Pierre Murillo Velarde's legacy is a testament to the intersection of science, religion, and colonial administration, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and admired for its historical, cultural, and scientific value. His contributions highlight the role of Jesuit scholars in expanding knowledge and advocating for justice in the colonial world.