Historical Truths and Lies: Scarborough Shoal in Ancient Maps: a cartographic exhibit

The Institute for Maritime and Oceans Affairs and Maritime Law Association of the Philippines in partnership with the De La Salle University Libraries launched a Cartographic Exhibit on “Historical Truths and Lies: Scarborough Shoal in Ancient Maps displaying copies of 60 ancient maps of China and the Philippines, relating to both countries' disputed claims in the West Philippine Sea.

Said exhibit, which ran from September 11 to 26, 2014, was based on the lecture delivered by Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who was also present during the opening ceremonies to give his thoughts on how the dispute between the two countries could be resolved. Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, also delivered a message specifically pointing out the evidences defying China’s claims on the Scarborough Shoal.

Gracing the exhibit were Secretary Leila De Lima of the Department of Justice, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales,Chairman Juan Andres D. Bautista of the PCGG, and DLSU administrators, Br. Michael Broughton FSC, Dr. Leonila Abella and Dr. Julio Teehankee.

A collateral forum entitled Scarborough Shoal: Truths & Lies concluded the exhibit, with Dr. Jay L. Batongbacal, Director of the Institute Maritime for Maritime Affairs as the speaker, who discussed on Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal): Less-known Facts vs. Published Fiction. Honorable Luis T. Cruz, Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs and Professor Richard Heydarian from the Political Science Dept. of De La Salle University served as reactors.