Agusan del Norte - Visiting Balanghay Shrine Museum in Butuan City

I went back to Butuan City after exploring Bunawan Ecopark in Agusan del Sur. It was already past noon when I arrived at the city. I had a quick lunch and proceeded to my next destination - Balanghay Shrine Museum. Located at 5 kilometers away from the city, the Balanghay Shrine is where the remnants of the 320 A.D. Balanghay was found, the most well-known archaeological artifact/historical figure unearthed in Butuan.


Managed by the National Museum, the shrine houses the ancient boats discovered and excavated from 1976 to 1986.


The discovery of these boats prompted former President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987 to declare it one of our country's National Treasures by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation no. 86. The sites where these Balanghays were excavated are considered as archaeological sites.



Also on display are other archaeological finds (perhaps found inside the boat) which includes some human and animal remains, jars, coffins, jewelries, tools, and ceramics.



Found at the center is a relic of the oldest Philippine watercraft called Balanghay. These wooden plank-build and edge-pegged boats measures an average of 15 meters in length and 3 meters wide across the beam.


As a major part of our rich history, these Balanghays should be preserved for our future generation to see and appreciate. Butuan City is lucky to have these precious archaeological treasures. As they say, "In the Beginning, There was no Philippines, but there was Butuan"


The Museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free, you just have to register at the logbook.


HOW TO GET THERE
Take a jeepney bound for Libertad and get off at the corner going to Brgy. Paradise (photo above). From there you can take a tricycle or a pedicab going to the shrine.

This is part of my solo adventure in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur last November 17-19, 2011. Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur are the 46th and 47th provinces on my list and this adventure is my 14th solo trip. Join me as I continue my journey to visit all 80 provinces in the Philippines!

Agusan del Norte Where Did I Stay in Butuan City? Visiting Balanghay Shrine Museum in Butuan City Riding the 1.3 KM Zipline at Delta Discovery Park Agusan del Sur En Route to Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center A Close Encounter with Lolong, the World's Largest Crocodile in Captivity Masapya Falls, another Must-see Attraction at the Bunawan Ecopark Travel Guide : Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) and Bunawan (Agusan del Sur) Maps By: Wikipedia