Experts confirm Danao relic part of Old Cebu Railway

After conducting thorough investigations and consultations with experts from the University of San Carlos (USC), the partial results of the Danao City’s Cultural Heritage Mapping have confirmed that the relic is indeed part of the Old Cebu Railway.

The railway is serving as a vital link between the main track and the coal mines located in the mountainous areas of Danao City.

This track facilitated the efficient transport of coal, which was the primary source of fuel back then.

The Danao City government, in its Facebook post, said that the presence of this coal wagon track further supports that the city’s industry was abundant in coal resources during that era.

As part of the ongoing efforts for the city's Cultural Heritage Mapping, it said that the observation and cleaning of this remarkable feature will continue.

“This meticulous process ensures that the relic is well-preserved and properly documented, enabling future generations to learn about and appreciate the history of the Old Cebu Railway and its significant role in Danao City's development,” it said.

This old railway, however, has been determined that this track is not part of the main railway route but was specifically designed to connect coal wagons to the main track.

This fact is evident in the city's official seal, which prominently features "coal mining" as a testament to its rich coal heritage.

In a separate interview with The FREEMAN, Michelle Mondigo, the public information officer of Danao City government, said the railway was discovered by some construction workers, who, at that time, were digging to pave the way for the construction of a covered court inside the Bibiana Mercado Integrated School in Barangay Looc.

She said the relic of the railway was discovered on May 2, 2023.

“Ang covered court padayon og trabaho pero ang area nga naa ang relic, i-cordon una. Gamay na lang kaayo nga part nga tiwason og kabkab aron i-check kung naa pa siyay sumpay. Kuhaon ra to ang relic and ibutang sa museum nga padulong i-build sa city,” Mondigo said.

She added the city government asked assistance from the school as this area is part of the Tourism Cultural Mapping of the city.

“So, pagkakita sa school nga naay railway-like relic, nagpahibawo dayon sila sa among Engineering Office, then said office informed tourism council. Giadto dayon pag May 3,” Mondigo said.

Last May 10, a group of experts from the USC, led by Archaeologist Dr. John Peterson, History Professor Laila Labajo, and History Teacher Devra Ouano, visited the site for observation and cleaning of feature.

“Kini siyang nakita kay sa wagon ni siya for coal from bukid where our coal mine used to be. Sa bisaya pa 'bagong'. Dili ni siya mao ang agianan sa train kay this one is too small for a train. Para lng ni siya tubil og coal sa train,” Mondigo said.

She said that they are still looking for the train railway within the city as, based on accounts, these were already covered with houses.

“But anam-anam ang city og uncover sa mga traces to connect our coal industry. Last May 10 kay na-visit pud ang old station sa train. Naa pa gihapon ang atop nga gitaya na. Possible ticking but yet to be verified pa,” she added.

In addition to the discoveries at the Bibiana Mercado Integrated School the experts from USC will also be conducting further studies on Danao City's history and artifacts.

One noteworthy find is the recent unearthing of human bones at the Sto. Tomas De Villanueva Parish (STVP) in the city, which will be subjected to careful examination and analysis.

“Kining STVP kay naa pud ni construction mao nga naay mga bukog nga nakit-an. Dr. Peterson's initial finding is from foreign kay dako and tag-as ang bone structure,” Mondigo added.

“These findings will provide valuable insights into the past and contribute to a deeper understanding of Danao City's rich heritage,” read the statement, adding that the coordination between the City Government of Danao with the USC promises to unveil even more fascinating aspects of Danao City's rich heritage.

“Stay tuned for further updates as the exploration and preservation of these historical treasures continue to unfold, here and now,” it further said. —