SEAArch – The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsblog

The Philippine expedition to trace the ancient maritime routes on a reconstructed ancient boat called the Balangay is scheduled to arrived in the city of Butuan at the end of the week. Butuan was where the first ancient Balangays were first discovered.

Voyage of Balangay nearing Caraga region
PIA Information Services, 18 November 2009

The handcrafted Diwata ng Lahi is now on its 5th leg taking the Mactan-Butuan route which will travel a total distance of 265 nautical miles, sailing for 20 days and done visiting Mactan, Argao, Dumaguete and is currently in Bohol.

The crew headed by Art Valdez still had their chance to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto fight before sailing off to nearby Bohol municipality from Dauis to Loay.

After Bohol, Diwata ng Lahi will dock Maasin in Leyte, San Bernardo in Limasawa then Jabonga and Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte and is expected to arrive in Butuan on November 27.

The city government of Butuan has prepared a fiesta atmosphere in welcoming the Diwata ng Lahi as soon as it enters Butuan Bay until it docks at PPA Port.

The renovation of Balangay Shrine in Ambangan, Libertad nearly completes in time for the scheduled visit of the Diwata ng Lahi crew.

Balangay Shrine is very significant being the site where the remains of the ancient boats, locally known as Balangay was dug up, a proof of evidence of pre-Hispanic Filipino civilization.

Tags: Balangay, Butuan, maritime route, reconstructed boat

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