The Philippine National Museum announced that they will excavate two more balanghai (balangay) boats in Butuan City. 3 out of the original 9 found were first excavated in 1986 and the oldest dates to the 4th century.
National Museum to dig 2 more balanghai boats in Butuan
MindaNews, 25 February 2012
Archaeologists and cultural preservation experts from the National Museum on Wednesday confirmed that an excavation will start soon in Butuan City for two balanghai boats.
“Plans are already underway to excavate Balanghai 3 and 4. We already have the necessary funds which were provided by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The entire dig will be done by archaeologists from the National Museum,” said Angel P. Bautista, Chief of the cultural property division of the museum.
Bautista, who was in Butuan to speak during the 15th Caraga Tourism General Assembly cited that nine boats were discovered in Barangay Libertad but only three were dug up, namely Balanghais 1, 2 and 5.
“Balanghai 1 is dated back to 320 AD, boat 2 at 1250 AD and boat 5 at around 900AD. After excavating boats 3 and 4, we are recommending to develop the site for heritage tourism,” he said.
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