via Minda News, 31 March 2024: A groundbreaking archaeological survey in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, led by Dr. Lee Neri from the University of the Philippines, has unearthed artifacts dating settlements back to the Neolithic Period around 4,000 BC. Conducted across nine towns, this survey marks Lanao del Sur’s inaugural archaeological exploration, revealing its historical and cultural richness.
The Archaeological Surface Survey was a collaboration between and among the UP School of Archaeology, the BCPCH-Lanao del Sur, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Government and the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).
Alonto said, the team from Manila, composed of Dr. Neri and UP School of Archaeology graduate students, was accompanied to the survey sites by BCPCH-Lanao del Sur staff, two history professors from the MSU-IIT and MSU-Marawi and a three-member contingent from BCPCH-Maguindanao.
“The survey aimed to unearth ancient settlements and shed light on Lanao del Sur’s historical and cultural past. Experts, scholars, and enthusiasts embarked on a six-day journey of exploration. Engaging with local communities, the teams merged academic expertise with community insights, collecting surface artifacts and laying the groundwork for future heritage tourism initiatives,” the BCPCH-Lanao del Sur posted on its social media page on August 27, 2023.
Source: Archaeological survey shows Lanao del Sur settlements date back to Neolithic period
