The Philippines has been described as a young nation with an old history. Its long and complicated history can be read, partly, through maps and cartography.
In this presentation, Ambeth R. Ocampo, Senator Gil J. Puyat Professor of History at the Ateneo de Manila University and the Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. Professor of Governance at the University of Makati, will deliver a lecture showing how, from the 16th to the 21st centuries, the evolution of the geographic shape of the archipelago reflects the idea and emergence of the Filipino nation.
For his contributions to cultural heritage and international academic dialogue, Professor Ocampo has been conferred the Order of Lakandula (Rank of Bayani), the Presidential Medal of Merit, the Fukuoka Academic Prize of Japan, and knighthoods from the governments of France and Spain. A prolific author, he maintains Looking Back, the longest-running editorial page column on history for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and has published over 35 books. His recent titles include History in Lockdown (2024) and Cabinet of Curiosities: History from Philippine Artifacts (2023).
Professor Ocampo’s distinguished career in public service includes tenures as Chairman of both the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Historical and Heritage Commission.
