𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐠, 𝐁𝐀𝐏 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Recognizing the vital role of archaeology and museums in preserving cultural identity, Partido State University (ParSU) Museo de Isarog, in partnership with the Bicol Archaeological Project (BAP), spearheaded the activity “Excavation to Education: The Role of Archaeology and Museums in Heritage Management” yesterday, September 15, 2025.

The event highlighted the vital role of archaeology and museums in preserving cultural heritage and engaging communities in shaping historical narratives. In the morning session, Ms. Karen Eyre Moshie O. Artiaga, Museo de Isarog Museum Director, discussed the evolving definition of museums, underscoring their role as community hubs where collaboration, co-creation, and co-curation thrive. She emphasized the essence of community engagement in archaeology and museum work, inviting participants to reflect on how students, teachers, and community members can actively engage with their own history and heritage.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bridgette Caballero, Faculty of the Department of History and Archaeology, College of Arts and Humanities, stressed that artifacts cannot “speak” on their own—archaeologists and historians must work hand-in-hand to build meaningful narratives. She further highlighted that heritage management goes beyond preservation; it flourishes when communities see their stories reflected in traditions, objects, and museum spaces. 

The afternoon session featured Dr. Madeleine Yakal, PhD, from Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, Post-Doctoral Scholar at UCLA, who shared insights on archaeology, community engagement, and UCLA’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies projects. Mr. Noel Jay Roxas, a licensed geologist and member of the BAP crew, introduced participants to geologic timescales, archaeological techniques, and excavation tools, drawing from examples such as the Ifugao Archaeological Project. 

Students also engaged in a hands-on “sandbox archaeology” activity that allowed them to practice excavation methods. Participants from Goa National High School and the Philippine Science High School actively joined the discussions and activities, strengthening the link between education and heritage awareness. 

By hosting this event, ParSU not only fosters heritage appreciation but also advances the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting cultural preservation, inclusive learning, and community empowerment.

𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴: 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘰 𝘥𝘦 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘨