via KAPI, 30 December 2023: Paper by Barretto-Tesoro et al. outlines a recent survey in Cagayan Valley, part of the larger PANTROPOCENE Project, shedding light on the significant changes in land use during Spanish colonization in the Philippines. By analyzing sites such as ancient churches and kilns, the project seeks to understand the socioenvironmental transitions over the last millennium. The research has not only recorded new historical structures under National Museum codes but has also set the stage for future archaeological work and heritage conservation efforts in the region.
This paper details the results of a survey conducted in Cagayan Valley in northern Philippines in August 2022 as part of the PANTROPOCENE Project, which aims to investigate the impact of Spanish colonization on land use. The survey was conducted in coordination with the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center and municipal government units. We recorded church structures, church complexes, and kilns in Cagayan under new 21 National Museum Accession Codes. These areas have been identified in earlier and separate cultural heritage exercises. COVID-19 delayed the implementation of the PANTROPOCENE Project, and reconnaissance in Cagayan Valley provided us with strategies as to how to move forward. The surveys demonstrate the significance of the sites, not just for the project, but also for the archaeology of Cagayan. To date, much research in the Cagayan region has pertamed to much earlier time periods, from 60kya to 2kya with minimal archaeological work focused on the last 1000 years. The results of the survey prove that there is much promise for archaeological activities in Cagayan that will go well beyond the PANTROPOCENE project We end by presenting recommendations for future archaeological research and site conservation.
Source: Proceedings Vol12_Barretto-Tesoro et al.pdf – Google Drive
