TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- Based on the findings during their excavation and exploration of Fort Almonte in Bacolod town in August 2023, the project team from the University of the Philippines (UP)  School of Archaeology, in partnership with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, the municipality of Bacolod, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, launched the book "The Archeology and History of Fort Almonte," showcasing the rich historical significance of the iconic site.

The project team from the UP School of Archaeology prepared and published a book featuring the results and findings of their exploration and excavation of the fort in August 2023. This is a vital requirement for the classification of Fort Almonte as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Fort Almonte was established in 1891 and served as a defensive stronghold against raiders protecting Western Mindanao’s coastline territory. It was named after Spanish Admiral Pedro de Almonte Verastegui, who led colonization campaigns with   Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera in Mindanao and Jolo in 1639. It stands as a testament to the province’s rich history.

During the excavation process, 1,217 artifacts were unearthed from Fort Almonte. These include 687 ceramics, 253 metals, 230 animal bones, 21 glass, 5 shells, 3 apog (mortar), 4 plastic, 1 cloth, and 13 stones. The provincial government plans to showcase these discoveries in the Provincial Museum, which is currently under construction.

“We've been excavating and exploring the site, and no gold was found. The only gold we found there is the Fort itself, and that is the heritage, the treasure, and the precious gold that we have in Lanao del Norte," said Dr. Leee Anthony Neri, project leader of the UP School of Archaeology.

The UP School of Archaeology presented the findings and results of their excavation process and turned over the book to the provincial government. They also recommended conducting further archaeological investigations around Fort Almonte and nearby areas, conducting surveys along the Liangan River's banks, and preserving and protecting the Fort Almonte site.

Moreover, the provincial government intends to replicate the site to transform it into a tourist destination while preserving its heritage.  Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza Dimaporo stated that the first step is to meet with the architect's office to determine the exact space and structure and prepare detailed engineering plans to estimate the cost of the fort. She hopes this can be completed within the year, as it will start in August. She is also thankful for the efforts of the archeologists. 

“It's going to be reconstructed, and the history of this will be part of the tourist destinations for the province of Lanao del Norte. Malaki po talaga ang pasalamat ko sa inyo, and I am sure that sa pagpartner namin sa munisipyo ng Bacolod [I am really thankful to all of you, and I am sure that with your partnership with the municipality of Bacolod], rest assured that it will be realized and we will really take good care of it," said Dimaporo.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Bruce Colao also highlighted the potential economic benefits of developing Fort Almonte into a tourism site, as it will promote not only cultural preservation but also economic growth for the province.

DILG also played a vital role in the implementation of the project by utilizing the Local Governance Resource Center platform, in which they coordinated with the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, the municipality of Bacolod, the barangay local government unit, and the Department of Education and conducted coordination meetings. He also emphasized the importance of creating ordinances to protect and preserve Fort Almonte, enrich its value, and educate the locals about the rich heritage of the Fort.   

“We are also looking forward to the possibility that the province, the municipality, will explore possible development projects in partnership with the private sector so that Fort Almonte will become a tourism site. It will not only be in the area of preserving, promoting, and enriching culture but also naa pod siya’y mahimo unya nga [it can contribute to the] economic value for the people," Colao said.

Moreover, 2nd District Provincial Board Member and Committee on Tourism Chairperson Haron B. Omar, Jr., expressed full support for initiatives and the enactment of necessary laws for the protection and promotion of the Fort.

The UP School of Archaeology, the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Manila University, the DILG Lanao del Norte, the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, and the municipal government of Bacolod carried out this excavation and exploration project of Fort Almonte with the assistance of the NCCA, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Department of History of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and the Department of Education Division of Lana. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)