July 04, 2003
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE HULUGA OPEN SITE
Philippine Archaeological Community Against the
destruction of the Huluga Open Site, Cagayan de Oro City
The Huluga is the oldest known settlement of early "Cagay-anons." Previous archaeological work done by different scholars strongly suggests that the was already occupied as early as the Neolithic Period (5000-1000 BC) to Metal Age (500 BC- AD 500). The is, therefore, very important to our cultural heritage. Huluga can provide significant contributions to the understanding of the history of Northern Mindanao the Philippines in general.
At present, a road crosses through our heritage site. It was constructed without any sensitivity and keenness to our collective cultural history. It is a total pity seeing archaeological site being run down and ruthlessly destroyed by some insensible and irresponsible people working for the government without any knowledge of our cultural history
As the advocator in preserving the archaeological sites in the Philippines, we, the Archaeological Program Of the University Of the Philippines, strongly the call of the Heritage Conservation Advocates (HCA) and all concerned in Cagayan de Oro City to further destruction of the Huluga Open Site and recover "her cultural materials that can still be preserved."
Huluga Open Site is the silent witness to the history of Cagayan de Oro. It is the "living" evidence of our early ancestors who made the city what she is now. We appeal to the City Mayor, the DENR, and all other concerned government agencies to stop the construction of the bridge and comply with all the necessary requirements as mandated by the law such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) that would include the Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) issued from the National Museum.
STOP FURTHER DESTRUCTION OF THE HULUGA OPEN SITE!
Faculty and Students Archaeological Studies Program
University of the Philippines |