A TWO-YEAR archaeological project that aims to set a standard in preserving the Cebuano cultural heritage has started in San Remigio and other parts of Northern Cebu.

The Northern Cebu Archeological Project— a joint initiative of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and Aboitiz Foundation, in collaboration with the University of San Carlos in Cebu  — will establish a protocol and methodology for systematic archaeological studies in the province.

Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., through its President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan, granted the NMP P2 million to support its archeological heritage preservation initiatives.

“As we remain grounded in our Cebuano roots, we in the Aboitiz Group are proud to partner with the National Museum of the Philippines and the University of Cebu for this groundbreaking archaeological initiative to preserve the Cebuano heritage,” Marasigan said.

NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns said this archaeological project is believed to be a game-changer for the NMP as it seeks new modes of engagement with its partners in the field of archaeology while dealing with the challenges posed by the Covid19 pandemic.

“It makes sense to work with local experts in the field while we continue to protect our own archaeologists by not putting them at risk in sending them where archaeological activities will be taking place. This will also promote more local archaeologists by supporting capacities and strengthening cooperation,” he noted.

The primary objective of the project is to develop a geospatial database to record all archeological sites and resources in Cebu through the use of state-of-the-art archeological methods and applications. A template for continuing studies and resources to archive and preserve data of archaeological sites and landscapes will also be developed.

Also, the project will produce a comprehensive catalogue of archeological findings in Cebu especially those belonging to the Metal Age. The catalogue shall be a useful reference for further studies, for the development of a comprehensive preservation program and for crafting sustainable information dissemination program through local and international publications.

The project will be led by Dr. Ana P. Labrador, deputy director-general for museums of NMP. She will be assisted by Alexandra de Leon of the Archaeology Division.

The two will work closely with Cebu-based archaeologists Dr. John A. Peterson and J. Eleazar Bersales of the USC Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History.

“We’re excited to have the support of the Aboitiz Foundation and the National Museum of the Philippines to conduct intensive field studies in north Cebu. Previous work has always been scattered and unfocused; this gives us a very systematic way to survey archaeological sites,” said Dr. Peterson, Principal Investigator of the Northern Cebu Archaeological Project 2021.