New archeology book features Fort Almonte’s heritage in Bacolod town

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- Based on the findings during their excavation and exploration of Fort Almonte in Bacolod town in August 20 23, the project team from the University of the Philippines (UP) School of Archaeology, in partnership with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, the municipality of Bacolod, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, launched the book "The Archeology and History of Fort Almonte," showcasing the rich historical significance of the iconic site.

The project team from Norte," said Dr. Leee Anthony I am sure that with your partnership the UP School of Archaeology Neri, project leader of the UP with the municipality prepared and published a School of Archaeology. of Bacolod], rest assured that book featuring the results and The UP School of Arit will be realized and we will findings of their exploration chaeology presented the findings really take good care of it," and excavation of the fort in and results of their excavation said Dimaporo. August 2023. This is a vital process and turned Meanwhile, Department requirement for the classification over the book to the provincial of the Interior and Local Government of Fort Almonte as a government. They also recommended (DILG) Lanao del National Cultural Treasure by conducting further Norte Provincial Director the National Commission for archaeological investigations Bruce Colao also highlighted Culture and the Arts (NCCA). around Fort Almonte and the potential economic ben

Fort Almonte was established nearby areas, conducting surveys efits of developing Fort Almonte in 1891 and served along the Liangan River's into a tourism site, as it as a defensive stronghold banks, and preserving and will promote not only cultural against raiders protecting protecting the Fort Almonte preservation but also economic Western Mindanao’s coastline site. growth for the province. territory. It was named after Moreover, the provincial DILG also played a vital Spanish Admiral Pedro de government intends to replicate role in the implementation of Almonte Verastegui, who led the site to transform it the project by utilizing the colonization campaigns with into a tourist destination while Local Governance Resource Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera preserving its heritage. Governor Center platform, in which in Mindanao and Jolo in Imelda "Angging" Quibranza they coordinated with the provincial 1639. It stands as a testament Dimaporo stated that government of Lanao to the province’s rich history. the first step is to meet with the del Norte, the municipality

During the excavation architect's office to determine of Bacolod, the barangay local process, 1,217 artifacts were the exact space and structure government unit, and the unearthed from Fort Almonte. and prepare detailed engineering Department of Education and These include 687 ceramics, plans to estimate the cost conducted coordination meetings. 253 metals, 230 animal bones, of the fort. She hopes this can He also emphasized the 21 glass, 5 shells, 3 apog be completed within the year, importance of creating ordinances (mortar), 4 plastic, 1 cloth, as it will start in August. She to protect and preserve and 13 stones. The provincial is also thankful for the efforts Fort Almonte, enrich its value, government plans to showcase of the archeologists. and educate the locals about these discoveries in the “It's going to be reconstructed, the rich heritage of the Fort. Provincial Museum, which is and the history of “We are also looking currently under construction. this will be part of the tourist forward to the possibility that

“We've been excavating destinations for the province the province, the municipality, and exploring the site, and of Lanao del Norte. Malaki will explore possible development no gold was found. The only po talaga ang pasalamat ko projects in partnership gold we found there is the Fort sa inyo, and I am sure that with the private sector so that itself, and that is the heritage, sa pagpartner namin sa munisipyo Fort Almonte will become a the treasure, and the precious ng Bacolod [I am really tourism site. It will not only gold that we have in Lanao del thankful to all of you, and be in the area of preserving, promoting, and enriching culture but also naa pod siya’y mahimo unya nga [it can contribute to the] economic value for the people," Colao said.

Moreover, 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 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 carried out this excavation and exploration project of Fort Almonte 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. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)