High atop a 272.42-meter hill in Barangay Hinanggayon, Mogpog, lies a quiet yet extraordinary landmark—a simple hole drilled into a block of diorite rock. Placed there in 1911 by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, this unassuming stone marker—known as the Luzon Datum of 1911—serves as the primary geodetic reference point for all surveys and maps in the Philippines. From this single spot, the entire archipelago is measured, making it the true geographical center of the country.
But the Luzon Datum is more than a technical marvel. Standing on its summit rewards visitors with an almost 360-degree panorama—Tayabas Bay shimmering to the north, Mompong Pass stretching to the east, and the vast Tablas Strait unfolding to the south and west. It is a viewpoint that captures both the physical and symbolic heart of the Philippines.
Recognizing its importance, the Provincial Government of Marinduque, in partnership with DENR, NHCP, and NAMRIA, developed the site into a historical and tourism landmark, inaugurated during its centennial celebration in 2011. Today, local residents help maintain the area through a community-based ecotourism program, ensuring its preservation for generations.
Fittingly, the marker rests on the island of Marinduque—long celebrated for its heart-shaped silhouette and often referred to as the “Heart of the Philippines.” Here, the nation’s geographic center and its symbolic heart beat as one.
Special Thanks To
Pitik ni Tupak (Photo: March 2025)
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