SOURCE: PIA 10
The rich tapestry of our nation's history is woven with threads of discovery and enlightenment. The recent revelation of a new archeology book titled "The Archeology and History of Fort Almonte" takes us on a journey into the past, offering a glimpse of the vibrant heritage of Bacolod town. The book is a product of meticulous research and exploration by the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Archaeology, in collaboration with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, the municipality of Bacolod, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The exploration and excavation of Fort Almonte in August 2023 led to a series of fascinating findings. The project was a significant step towards classifying Fort Almonte as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The fort, established in 1891, was a defensive stronghold against raiders, protecting the Western Mindanao coastline territory. It stands as a testament to the region's vibrant past.
An impressive 1,217 artifacts were unearthed from Fort Almonte. These included an assortment of ceramics, metals, animal bones, glass fragments, shells, mortar (apog), plastic, cloth, and stones. The provincial government has plans to showcase these archaeological discoveries in the Provincial Museum, which is under construction.
Dr. Leee Anthony Neri, the project leader from the UP School of Archaeology, puts it beautifully: "The only gold we found there is the Fort itself, and that is the heritage, the treasure, and the precious gold that we have in Lanao del Norte." The team's findings have been meticulously compiled and presented in the newly launched book.
The UP School of Archaeology has recommended further archaeological investigations in and around Fort Almonte. They also suggested conducting surveys along the Liangan River's banks and preserving the Fort Almonte site.
Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza Dimaporo and the provincial government plan to replicate the site and turn it into a tourist destination. The process is set to begin in August, with the first step involving consulting with the architect's office to estimate the cost of the fort's reconstruction.
Governor Dimaporo expressed her gratitude for the archeologists' efforts. "I am really thankful to all of you, and I am sure that with your partnership with the municipality of Bacolod, rest assured that it will be realized, and we will really take good care of it," she said.
Bruce Colao, DILG Lanao del Norte Provincial Director, highlighted the potential economic benefits of transforming Fort Almonte into a tourism site. The move will not only promote cultural preservation but also contribute to the province's economic growth.
Colao also emphasized the need for creating ordinances to protect and preserve Fort Almonte. These measures would enrich its value and educate locals about the fort's rich heritage.
2nd District Provincial Board Member and Committee on Tourism Chairperson Haron B. Omar, Jr., expressed full support for initiatives and the enactment of necessary laws for the protection and promotion of the Fort.
The successful excavation and exploration project was a collaborative effort involving several entities, including the UP School of Archaeology, the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University, the DILG Lanao del Norte, the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, and the municipal government of Bacolod. With the assistance of the NCCA, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Department of History of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and the Department of Education Division of Lana, the project has shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Bacolod town through the archeological findings of Fort Almonte.