Finding Archaeology in Nueva Vizcaya Through the Notes of Fr. Malumbres

Christian Fernandez

Nueva Vizcaya, a province in the north of the Philippines, was once a haven for a religious order that arrived during the Spanish colonization. The belief system they carried influenced the people of their traditions and was a factor in shaping their identity. In a profound sense, the physical remnants of such influence have often been overlooked and, throughout time, rapidly neglected. Even archaeological context has nothing to offer, as no known survey or excavation has been initiated, making both historical and archaeological data inadequate. This paper aims to establish the foundations for determining the archaeological potential of Nueva Vizcaya through analysis of written records and narratives compiled during the early 20th century by a traveling priest. The result of this effort will be the basis in identifying possible archaeological sites that help in the identification of how religion altered the cultural landscape of the province. It is best to first identify what and where to look before any future archaeological survey is conducted. There is a firm belief that identifying the role of faith in the shaping of the province through archaeological remains can help better understand the dynamics within the landscape and can potentially revive lost narratives.