TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A group of archeologists, paleontologists and other experts from Ateneo de Manila University, along with international institutions and the National Museum of the Philippines, braved the heat and long hike to conduct an initial visit

to investigate potential archaeological sites in an identified area in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on March 6.

During the site inspection, petrified woods were found and a fossilized animal tooth was shown to the party. After thoroughly inspecting the fossil, the experts concluded that it was a fragment of an elephant’s lower left molar.

With petrified wood bits strewn around the area, as well as a fossilized elephant tooth, the researchers informed the personnel of the PLGU, CLGU, and the Barangay official that they would return for a more thorough examination of the area to further evaluate the site’s potential.

The researchers urged Barangay officials to protect any fossilized bones discovered and preserve the location for future research.

Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed the team and voiced support for their efforts.

He expressed excitement about the prospect of discovering rich archaeological artifacts and promised to continue supporting their research activities, which aim to unearth the city’s historical significance as well as the possibility of ancient civilizations and animal species.

The researchers were accompanied by Kalinga PLGU Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, City Information Officer Aurora Amilig and CPIO staff, as well as Mr. Tony Ngaya-an, a Barangay Nambaran Council member and a resident of Nambaran who discovered the petrified wood and the fossilized tooth.