Showcasing the Heart of Philippine Colonial Heritage: Intramuros’ Role in Public Archaeology and Philippine Colonial History

Arturo Joseph T. Tablan III*, Robby de la Vega, Sean Aaron, D. Tanglao, and Mikaila G. Endona

Intramuros Administration, Philippines; *arturojoseph.tablan@intramuros.gov.ph

As the premier heritage site of the Philippines, the walled city of Intramuros has played a vital role in the study history and archaeology. Being the second oldest Spanish city in the Philippines, with accounts of indigenous settlements prior to European contact, Old Manila is one of the oldest documented settlements of the colonial era that is still widely accessible and attracts visitors both nationally and internationally. With that being said, Intramuros has a unique opportunity within the modern nation to expand its role as an archaeologically significant site in the Philippines. Although the site has been excavated since the arrival of Dr. H. Otley Beyer, the Intramuros Administration (IA) has primarily focus on its relevance as a cultural heritage site. In this paper, we will discuss currents efforts by the Cultural Properties Conservation Division (CPCD) to highlight the archaeological sites within Intramuros, and explore possible partnerships and avenues for public archaeology.