(Reprinted with editing from Agung Magazine Oct. 2005 issue)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL resources in the Philippines have been extensively studied and generated information on the earliest foundation of the Filipino nation.

The data gathered from these studies have contributed to the insights on the rich cultural heritage of the country. In this, archaeology is considered primarily as a source of general knowledge. The role of archaeology beyond knowledge generation has not been properly realized.

Thus, the Philippine government launched a development project in one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, the Tabon Cave Complex in Quezon, Palawan where the earliest human remains were found by National Museum (NM) archeologists.

During the 1960’s, Dr. Robert Fox, the person responsible for the archeological exploration and excavation of cave sites at the Tabon Cave Complex, planned to convert the area into a national park where people can learn and value its rich natural and cultural heritage.

With this plan, the NM initiated several development projects such as the construction of wooden stairs to facilitate access to the archaeological sites in the caves.

In the 1970’s, the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) financially and technically helped in the construction of a path walk leading to the five caves on the west part of the complex. These development projects facilitated the exploration of the entire complex.

Because of its rich natural and cultural resources, the Tabon Cave Complex was declared a Site Museum Reservation on April 11, 1972 by virtue of Proclamation No. 996.

As mandated by law, the NM was tasked to protect and preserve this reservation for present and future generations.

After twenty-one years, the Tabon Cave Complex was identified in the Philippine Tourism Master Plan of 1991 as one of the priority areas for development in the Philippines.

Consequently, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the NM joined hands in developing a Detailed Development Master Plan in 1998 that would provide the framework for developing tourism in the area, preserve and conserve archaeological sites and environmental resources and create opportunities for economic growth.

DOT hopes to develop the Tabon Cave Complex as a major eco-tourism and archeological destination in the country.

In 2000, the DOT, NM and the NCCA launched a project entitled “The Site Development of the NM Branch and the Tabon Cave Complex.” This project was envisioned to contribute to the development of Philippine culture.

Composed of three phases, the project aims to protect and preserve the environmental resources and prehistoric sites, as well as to develop the area to enable students, educators and nature enthusiasts to learn about, appreciate and value the rich heritage of the natural complex.