Catubig: Attendees of a public archaeology lecture in Catubig, Northern Samar, were given the rare opportunity to observe active excavation trenches within the grounds of the Catubig Church, where ongoing archaeological work is helping uncover the town's historical past.

According to Philippines News Agency, the lecture on Friday, titled "Ilog, Bayan, Kasaysayan: Isang Arkeolohikal na Pag-aaral sa Bayan ng Catubig," focused on the role of archaeology in understanding how the Catubig River, early settlements, and historical developments shaped the identity and culture of the town, considered the earliest cabecera of Ibabao (now Northern Samar province), according to Jay Keenson Acebuche, Northern Samar provincial planning and development officer.

After the lecture, attendees visited three excavation trenches within the church grounds, where they observed ongoing archaeological work and learned about field excavation processes.

Resource speakers from the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Archaeology (UPD-SA) led the discussions. Among them was Andrea Dominique M. Cosalan, senior lecturer and university research associate at UPD-SA, who holds a degree in Anthropology from UP Diliman and a master's degree in Quaternary and Prehistory through the Erasmus Mundus program in France and Spain. She currently serves as president of the Kapisanan ng mga Arkeologist sa Pilipinas, Inc.

"The lecture introduced participants to archaeological methods and research processes used in studying ancient communities, cultural landscapes, and material evidence of the past. Discussions highlighted how archaeological research helps reconstruct local histories and fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage," Acebuche said in a phone interview.

The activity was organized by UPD-SA field school participants in partnership with the provincial government of Northern Samar, the Roman Catholic Church, the Catubig Historical Society, and the local government unit of Catubig.

The town is also hosting Northern Samar's first archaeology field school, a milestone initiative aimed at expanding archaeological research and heritage conservation efforts in the province.