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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






Agusan del Sur

Maps By: Wikipedia

20 comments :

  1. i believe that this is one of the most important relics that we have. often times missed out by travelers when they visit mindanao.

    it's good to see it again from your post.

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  2. With Dong Ho's observation, maybe this shouldn't be missed out when we head home from Surigao by next week's sojourn. Thanks to Dong Ho's observation. :-).

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  3. I am looking for a good place this coming summer vacation and I think this one will be on my list. =)

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  4. I wish I can also visit this place. Looks really nice. Will put in my to-do list Thanks for sharing! =)

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  5. Ang kati ng mga paa mo ser! haha. Thanks for sharing these.

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  6. Seems like you are having a grand time in Butuan. Butuanons will be very happy to read this post.

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  7. that's a boat? para lang siyang natuyong katawan ng puno...

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  8. wow good for you. I hope I get the time to travel too.

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  9. thanks for sharing bro. hope i could also visit the place pag d na busy i guess. woot!

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  10. nice place. i don't think i have been there when i went to Butuan. so in line with Journeying James question, how many of the 80 provinces you have been? looks like you are near completion! congrats!

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    Replies
    1. as of my last trip, 56 po out of 80... still a long way to go... hehehe! :)

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  11. ..been there! ..been there!

    but that was too long ago!hahaha..elementary pa ata ako non..lol

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  12. ..been there! been there..pero an tagal n non..elementary pa ata ako non.lol

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  13. wow... funny coz I live in Libertad Mandaluyong and our ancestral house is near Libertad Pasay and now I am reading a post about Libertad Butuan! How I wish to visit this place soon!

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  14. Hindi ba sila strict sa mga DSLR users when taking pictures inside the museum?

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    Replies
    1. i'm not really sure, wala kc ako kasabay nun eh... di ko rin naitanong... hehehe!

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  15. I really love reading about Philippine archaeological treasures...

    Butuan: sana magkatime din akong mapuntahan yan.

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  16. GUSTO KONG PUNTAHAN YANG MUSEUM NA YAN.... I REALLY REALLY WANT TO VISIT...

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