Gov. Edduba says Kalinga PLGU to secure and protect archaeological area in Rizal, underscores importance of the breakthrough finding in re-writing history

Tabuk City, Kalinga – With Kalinga recognized as archaeologically significant since 2018, development activities in the province now require archaeological certification, as Governor James S. Edduba emphasized the need to protect heritage while pursuing infrastructure projects.

The governor made the statement during the orientation and workshop on the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts (PDP-CA) 2024–2029 held on April 23 at Golden Berries in San Juan. He explained that before any project can proceed, the necessary certification must first be secured.

This requirement is in compliance with regulations set by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), which determines whether a site has archaeological significance.

Edduba stressed that this step is part of the Annual Investment Program (AIP), noting that the provincial government is already working to secure land in the municipality of Rizal with assistance from the NMP, which has conducted a site visit to help ensure the area is protected from disturbance.

He added that such measures are necessary to prevent the disturbance of potential heritage sites and to preserve important historical resources.

“Diay metlang plan ti AIP ket we are trying to secure that land in Rizal... tapnu i-secure tayon diyay nga area ket hanen nga madistorbo kuma. Am-aminen nga aramiden tayo ditoy Kalinga ket we need a certification—kailangan nga ma-certify, especially now that Kalinga is identified as one area nga addaan ti archeological things,” he said.

While acknowledging that these requirements may slow down some infrastructure projects, Edduba said they are essential in balancing development with cultural preservation. He added that preparations are being made so future leaders can continue ongoing initiatives while safeguarding the province’s heritage.

“This is what’s happening in our province, and I recognize that we cannot immediately respond to this, especially in terms of infrastructure. But we can prepare the province tapnu dagidiay sumaruno met nga leaders—ti responsibility da met ket mangituloy nu anya ti narugyan tayo,” he said.

Why Kalinga is an archaeologically significant area

Kalinga has gained national and international attention due to archaeological discoveries that provide evidence of early human activity in the country. Protecting identified and potential archaeological sites remains a priority, especially as development projects continue to expand in the province.

Among the most significant finds is a site in Rizal, particularly in Barangay San Pedro, where a rhinoceros fossil with stone tool marks was discovered, dating back hundreds of thousands of years. This breakthrough has reshaped understanding of early human presence in Southeast Asia and positioned Kalinga as a key location in prehistoric research.

These findings highlight that Kalinga is not only rich in living cultural traditions but also in deep historical and archaeological value. As a result, the province has become a focus of research and conservation efforts led by institutions such as the National Museum of the Philippines.