HCA members at Kros Rockshelter, Balulang, Cagayan de Oro, Sept. 16, 2001.

THE HERITAGE CONSERVATION ADVOCATES (HCA) is a multi-sectoral group that campaigns for the preservation and promotion of Cagayan de Oro historical and archaeological sites.

It was organized in July 2001 after concerned citizens learned about a bridge-and-road project that could destroy Huluga, the home of the original people of Cagayan de Oro. Members also discovered that other archaeological sites were under threat. Prior to the organization of HCA, several groups had already met with local and regional officials, and launched a signature campaign to protect Huluga. The National Museum wrote to the mayor, and later, the HCA composed a Manifesto of Protest. Then the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a cease-and-desist order.

On June 7, 2003, however, HCA members were horrified to discover that a large portion of the Huluga Open Site -- where artifacts are still being found -- has been destroyed. A road now cuts through it, leading to the bridge. The caves are spared, but remain unprotected. On June 23, 2003, Dr. Burton and other HCA visited the area, accompanied by journalists. [See more photos and article by Antonio J. Montalvan II. See also the primer on Huluga.]

Help protect our heritage

Archaeological research made in Cagayan de Oro and vicinities reveal the removal of ancients pots and other artifacts, like the one shown here. Wrenched from their context, many of these objects become isolated, generic antiques. People who sell and buy them cannot tell how they were used, who used them, and where they come from. The story about these objects are often lost forever.

If you find what you suspect is a fossil or an artifact, refrain from touching the item and its surrounding. Even the positioning of these materials will affect scientific analysis and interpretation. They must be seen in relation to the soil, ashes, bones, water, and other materials nearby. Even if the date of a skull is determined in a laboratory, the date is meaningless if scientists do not know exactly where the object was found. Removal and possession of artifacts and fossils is also illegal and punishable by law.

Some people collect, buy, and sell these objects as "antiques", but these items are nothing but extremely old objects if details about them are unknown. Even museums cannot put them on display. Unlike modern products which contain information about their manufacturer, content, date and origin of production, prehistoric products are relatively blank. So, they must be subjected to scientific instruments, comparative historical analysis, and research finding about similar products and sites must be reviewed.

Make a difference in the life of our nation by helping preserve our heritage. Encourage your local officials to put up a museum, or help an existing museum. Contact any of the following HCA members for advice:

• Dr. Erlinda M. Burton, archaeologist and curator, Museo de Oro, Xavier University
• Luis E. Ostique, assistant curator, Museo de Oro, Xavier University
• Dr. Antonio J. Montalvan II, historian, curator and anthropologist, Capitol University

Comments and contributions may be addressed to webmaster Elson T. Elizaga.