CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) - - A group of 50 archaeology and anthropology professors and students from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila recommended Quirino province to be a site for archeological studies.  

Following the three-day field visit of the group to study archaeological sites and the Indigenous Peoples (IP) cultures,  the archeology team found out that some of its areas possess promising archaeological potentials, particularly the Governor’s Rapids, Siitan Nature Park and Koronang Bato.

They will also recommend to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to declare the sites as protected archaeology areas.

The anthropology team, on the other hand, proved that Quirino has diverse ethnolinguistic groups that require further study based on their immersion with IP leaders in barangays Pedlisan, Sto. Domingo and Wasid. 

They also found out that the accounts of the IP elders differ in many ways from the published version of foreign authors.

Professor Maria Theresa de Guzman of the Department of Behavioral Sciences-College of Arts and Sciences said they chose Quirino because of its diverse ethnolinguistic communities. 

“We encourage our students to visit this province to be able to understand the culture of the people, specifically the Indigenous Peoples,” she said.

The UP professor added that their students are very lucky because they were able to interview different groups and they were amazed by the hospitality and pleasantness of the Quirinians.

“If you want to raise awareness, understand cultures and if you want to enjoy life, visit Quirino,” Professor de Guzman said.

Furthermore, Dr. Michael Canilao has recommended Quirino as an educational and tourism destination because of its pristine environment that is perfect for any educational laboratories. 

“The data is literally on the ground and it is a perfect opportunity for related research studies, far from the Metro and urban areas,” he said.

“Here, you love nature, you will not only experience doing your work as a researcher but you also get to enjoy nature. Forest bathing is really a very good opportunity as well, that can be a part of the itinerary for the fieldwork group,” Dr. Canilao added.

Mary Justine Dominique Caceres, a third year BA Behavioral Science student has also encouraged educators and students to visit Quirino to further explore the province and to help the people protect and preserve their cultures and at the same time, to introduce Quirino to the world.

Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua welcomed the study of the UP group saying that their findings will give the Quirinian a better perspective of the history and culture of the province.

The governor further said Quirino offers rich opportunities for scholarly studies and field trips in different disciplines or fields of study such as good governance, education, health system, social services, biodiversity, economic development, promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, agro-industrial development and livelihood as well as disaster risk reduction and management. (OTB/TCB/PIA Quirino)