The UP Asian Center in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines through the NHCP Museo El Deposito is organizing the launch of "Pagasa sa Gitna ng Kalayaan," a Traveling Exhibit and Lecture by the NHCP Museo El Deposito on 2 December 2025, 9:30 AM (GMT+8), at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Diliman. The exhibit will run until 15 December 2025 at the ASEAN Hall, UP Asian Center. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT AND LECTURE
Situated 280 nautical miles (520 kilometers) northwest from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan lies the small fifth-class Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan. The archipelago was first documented as part of the Philippines in the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map, wherein the cartographer documented traditional fishing grounds used by Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea. In 1978, the town was formally created through Presidential Decree (PD) no. 1596 and stands as the Philippines' westernmost political subdivision with a complete local government unit. At its heart, the island of Pag-Asa, center of the town's lone barangay that shares its name, as well as the 200 people that call it home.
The picturesque waters of the West Philippine Sea with its bounty of maritime resources seem to be the quintessential image of a tropical paradise. But along the horizon lies the enduring existential threat that shatters the illusion of peace and security. In recent years, the ships and vessels of the Maritime Militia, Coast Guard, and Naval Service of the People's Republic of China have increased their presence in the hotly contested Spratly Islands, of which the Kalayaan Islands are part of. Large Chinese vessels intrude in the waters off the twelve islands, cays, and reefs that comprise Kalayaan, at times engaging in dangerous and illegal actions against Filipinos who continue to earn a living and build their families.
Documentarian Paul Quiambao travelled to the Kalayaan Islands and captured the realities of life at the Philippines' westernmost frontier. Where people bring up families, go to school, celebrate fiestas, and make their livelihoods; all while foreign vessels encroach upon their seas and shine bright spotlights that split the tranquility of the quiet nights at sea.
As the islands continue to appear in the world headlines, life goes on for the local inhabitants of Kalayaan, where people's hopes for a peaceful and happy future shine amid tensions and uncertainty, exemplifying the indomitable spirit of the Filipino whose most cherished value is freedom.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND GUEST OF HONOR
JUSTICE ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Chairperson of the Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs and 1Sambayan
Justice Antonio T. Carpio is a distinguished jurist who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines beginning in 2001. A valedictorian and cum laude graduate of the UP College of Law, he placed sixth in the 1975 Bar Examinations and earlier earned his Economics degree from Ateneo de Manila University. His professional career spans private practice, government service, and legal education. He founded the Carpio Villaraza and Cruz Law Firm, taught at the UP College of Law, and later served as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel with cabinet rank. He also held roles in national institutions such as the UP Board of Regents, the Department of Industry, and the Department of Trade, and he once served as President of the IBP Pasay Makati Chapter.
Justice Carpio has been widely honored for his contributions to law and public service, receiving awards such as the Presidential Medal of Merit and several honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from leading universities. He has played an influential role in advancing national understanding of the West Philippine Sea issues, including undertaking a global lecture tour and publishing a comprehensive book on the maritime dispute. Upon his retirement from the Supreme Court in 2019, he continued his public advocacy and scholarship as Chairperson of the Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs and as Chairperson of 1Sambayan.
THE EXHIBIT COMPONENTS
A. Pag-asa sa Gitna ng Kalayaan
Photographs by Paul Quiambao taken in May 1924 show the people of Pagasa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan who try to maintain a serene life while being intimidated by Chinese aggression.
B. Historic Maps
Four maps show the Philippines in Southeast Asia and the closeness of the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc to the Philippine archipelago.
C. Pag-asa sa Masinloc
Chinese aggression affects not only the people of Pagasa Island and Palawan but also the people of Masinloc and Zambales who are deprived of a great source of livelihood when the Chinese illegally blocked off access to Bajo de Masinloc. The NHCP documented the experiences of some fishermen through an interview and photographs during its visit in September 2025.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
This exhibit is organized by the UP Asian Center in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines through the NHCP Museo El Deposito, in collaboration with TVUP.