Capitol, Boljoon parish ink pact to preserve artifacts

CEBU – The Cebu Provincial Government and the Boljoon Parish have signed an agreement for the preservation of the artifacts that were discovered by an archaeologist and students from the University of San Carlos at the town’s church grounds.

Capitol consultant on heritage affairs Jose Eleazar Bersales and Boljoon parish priest Fr. Milton Medida have signed a custodial agreement to ensure the preservation of the artifacts.

Bersales conducted archaeological excavations on the grounds of Boljoon Church, which allegedly used to be the town’s burial site way back in the 16th century, and recovered remains of at least 26 people and some of their belongings.

The artifacts are now in the museum of the Boljoon Church.

The excavation is the third phase of Bersales’ archaeological project. The first phase was carried out last February 2007 and the second was from May to June last year.

The recovered remains are believed to give local scientists and historians a glimpse of the past people’s way of life.

“The Parish of Boljoon will display the artifacts in a careful, prudent, dignified and respectful manner. The Parish of Boljoon will provide reasonable and adequate care for the artifacts in its possession,” the agreement reads.

The signing of the custodial agreement was witnessed by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Boljoon Mayor Deogenes Derama.

Bersales said they initially ignored some people’s prodding for them to dig in Boljoon because they feared that the remains were of Christian burials until residents accidentally struck a human skull a few feet underground while putting up a soccer net pole.

They eventually excavated an area of 42 square meters with a depth of 60 to 70 cm.

Aside from the human skeletons, among the items recovered were a large bent tube gold earring, a powder box, a tiny gold ring, large 16th century green bowls, tiny silver beads, metal daggers, small Tridacna shells and 20th century bronze medallions.

The burial site was believed to be non-Christian one because only jars were found and there were no coffins. A supposed sacrificial altar for a wild pig was also found. With these findings, it is theorized that the site was once the basement of a house. In the past, it was a practice of some people to bury their dead at the basement of their houses.

The earliest artifacts found in the town revealed dates between 1550 to 1650. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)