October 22-24, 2024
To symbolize the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and the rule of law, Pura presented a replica of the Murillo Velarde Map, an artifact from 1734 that played a critical role in the Philippines’ 2016 legal victory against China in the West Philippine Sea dispute. “This map is more than just a historical artifact; it’s a symbol of our sovereignty, our commitment to the rule of law, and the shared values that connect the Philippines with its allies. We are a small nation, but we stand ready to defend our territory—with the support of allies like the United States,” he said, as he distributed limited copies of the map to attendees as a token of solidarity.
This conference underscored the crucial role of trusted connectivity in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing NOW Group’s commitment to building resilient, secure infrastructure and strengthening alliances to protect the region’s future stability.