UP archaeologists to study historical sites in Northern Samar this year

TACLOBAN CITY – Archaeologists from the University of the Philippines in Diliman will conduct a thorough archaeological study in Northern Samar this year.

Dr. Emil Charles Robles, a senior lecturer at the UP School of Archaeology, conducted courtesy visits and coordination meetings with the provincial government and several local government units on February 11-14, 2026, in preparation for the intensive research.

The Northern Samar provincial government said this will be the first proper and serious archaeological study and survey in the province in almost 60 years.

In the 1960s, Franciscan priest Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, a Polish priest and founder of the Samar Archaeological Museum in Calbayog City, conducted similar significant archaeological studies in Northern Samar, with key expeditions in 1968.

A number of artifacts found during Fr. Kobak’s expeditions are presently on display at the museum inside Christ the King College.

Robles initially identified potential archaeological sites in the towns of Catubig, Laoang, and Mapanas based on surveys conducted in 2024 and early 2025.

Catubig is a historical town known as the first cabecera of Ibabao (the old name of Northern Samar) and the site that first welcomed Jesuit missionaries in the late 16th century. It is also one of the towns associated with the Sumuroy Revolt of 1649-50 and the Battle of Catubig in 1900.

In the town of Mapanas, the provincial government said archaeologists will conduct onsite assessments of the Sang-at Burial site and a cave in Brgy. Jubasan, where a tooth of a megalodon shark has been reported.

In Laoang, the eight professional archaeologists from UP will explore caves and archaeological sites on the islands of Batag and Cahayagan for seven days.

During his initial visit to Laoang in January 2025, Robles pointed out the importance of the immediate preservation of archaeological sites due to their significant role in Philippine history.

Robles met separately with Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio, Mapanas Vice Mayor Dr. Maria Luisa Barbara Tejano, and Laoang’s Municipal Councilor Frederrick Deananeas and Vice Mayor Jensen Detera. The LGUs expressed their full support for the initiative.

The LGU officials also committed to facilitate coordination, logistical assistance, and local engagement for the successful conduct of the archaeological studies in the province.