TACLOBAN CITY — An American ocean research company is teaming up with the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) for an underwater archaeological exploration in Northern Samar, hoping to uncover shipwrecks and artifacts that could enrich the country’s maritime history.

Allen Exploration and NMP will conduct the mission from 5 to 18 November 2025 in the San Bernardino Strait, covering the municipal waters of Allen, Lavezares, Biri and Capul.

Northern Samar Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan said the province was a critical passageway for galleon ships during the Spanish colonial era’s Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

“Our ocean floor is significant to the country’s ongoing research on underwater cultural heritage,” Ongchuan said.

NMP officials paid Ongchuan a courtesy call Monday to discuss the exploration’s importance.