What lies beneath: Why archaeological checks matter before construction

MANILA, Philippines — The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) highlighted the importance of archaeological impact assessments (AIAs) as it marked International Archaeology Day this month.

“Let us understand what AIA is and why it is important before building any structure,” NMP-Cebu said, reminding the public that a specific area might be a potential archaeological site.

It said AIAs are important in areas where historical artifacts may lie underground, waiting for their stories to be unraveled, especially since the Philippines is exceptionally rich in archaeological resources.

For instance, since its inception in 1988, the Archaeology Division of the NMP has been involved in several notable projects, including the excavation of the Butuan boats in Agusan and shell midden sites in Cagayan.

New carbon-14 dates were obtained for the Butuan boats, while the shell middens in Cagayan produced the earliest evidence of water buffalo and rice remains, the division said on its website.

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Excavations in Batangas resulted in the discovery of a large burial site that yielded hundreds of earthenware pots and tradeware ceramics, while investigations in Manila led to the discovery of the use of sacred space to subvert an earlier religious practice and belief.

As NMP-Cebu explained, an AIA, based on the definition of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is a study conducted by a skilled archaeologist to assess the archaeological significance of a specific location before construction activities begin.

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This is intended to “manage its impact on declared, known, recognized, or newly discovered archaeological sites,” it said, referring to infrastructure works, architectural development initiatives or any earth-moving activities.

“Its findings determine recommendations for mitigating adverse impacts of development work on an archaeological site, conservation management, and opportunities for further archaeological exploration/excavation,” NMP-Cebu said.

The NCCA sets the standards and operational procedures for conducting and submitting AIAs through its Cultural Properties Protection and Regulation Division, while the NMP, through its Archaeology Division and Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division, “carries out research, exploration, and custody of archaeological objects for exhibitions.”

“If you happen to discover archaeological objects in your area, you may coordinate with your respective local government offices, relevant cultural agencies available in your locality, or the NCCA through their website or official social media page for information and appropriate action,” it said.

The NMP keeps several collections that include earthenware artifacts, stoneware and porcelain artifacts, wooden coffins, burial jars, fossils and tools, ornaments, and zooarchaeological materials and references. /dm