PRESS RELEASE

In a groundbreaking partnership between the University of the Philippines’ School of Archaeology and Center for International Studies, Caraga State University, National Museum and Butuan City, the Balangay International Conference will come alive with a vibrant celebration of Philippine maritime heritage, featuring the return of the epic play “Lawig Balangay,” to be staged for the first time in decades on September 18-19, 2025.

“The Balangay International Conference forms part of the City Government’s broader efforts to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Butuan. The balangays — highlighted by the recent archaeological excavation of the National Museum last August — stand as enduring proof of our city’s advanced pre-colonial civilization and its vital role in shaping history,” noted Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun. “Through this Conference, we aim to elevate Butuan’s standing in global maritime heritage while fostering academic exchanges that deepen appreciation and understanding of our rich and vibrant past,” he added.

Capping the first day of the conference is a theatrical production that dramatizes the epic maritime journeys and cultural significance of the balangay—both the boat itself and the community it carried. The performance offers participants and the public an emotionally powerful link to the ancient seafaring traditions explored in the academic sessions.

Caraga State University President Rolyn C. Daguil highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the event: “Our partnership demonstrates how universities can co-create with national institutions and local governments to produce events of international significance. CSU’s and UP’s deep community roots and combined academic expertise, the National Museum’s archaeological stewardship, and the City’s cultural programs create a uniquely holistic experience.”

A Living Conference: Where Research Meets Community

The conference design deliberately weaves together scholarly presentations with cultural performances, art exhibitions, and community engagement. Throughout both days, the Butuan City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department will present traditional dances and musical performances between academic sessions, creating a rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of ocean tides central to maritime culture.

“We’ve intentionally designed this as an immersive cultural experience,” explained Dr. Ligaya S. Lacsina of UP’s School of Archaeology, Conference Chair. “When participants experience the ‘Balangay: Ancestral Vessels, Living Currents’ art exhibition featuring works by contemporary artists, or witness traditional performances, they’re not just learning about maritime heritage – they’re feeling it, living it.”

The National Museum of the Philippines-Butuan’s role extends beyond presenting archaeological findings. As detailed by AB Magdua and colleagues, the museum has documented a record-breaking 111,510 visitors in 2024, with eleven programs specifically addressing maritime heritage receiving “Outstanding” ratings from participants.

“Our collaboration shows how museums can be dynamic spaces for community engagement, not just repositories of artifacts,” noted Bobby C. Orillaneda from the National Museum’s Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division. “The conference will showcase how the Butuan boats serve as bridges connecting our ancient past to contemporary Filipino identity.”

Beyond Academic Boundaries

The conference’s innovative approach includes: an interactive art exhibition with five contemporary artists presenting their installations exploring maritime memory and identity, with live artist talks allowing direct dialogue between creators and conference participants; cultural interludes featuring traditional performances strategically placed throughout the program, including a special cultural intermission featuring Butuan’s indigenous dances; community voices with presentations from fisherfolk, boat builders, and indigenous communities alongside academic researchers, ensuring authentic voices shape the narrative; and return of Lawig Balangay, the theatrical highlight that transforms archaeological and historical knowledge into lived cultural experience

Art Valdez, who led the modern Voyage of the Balangay expeditions (2009-2011), captures the conference’s spirit: “To fulfill Rizal’s vision in The Philippines, A Century Hence, we must sustain forums like the Butuan Balangay International Conference 2025—to keep the flame of maritime consciousness burning in the hearts of today’s generation.“

Research Meets Ritual

The conference will present groundbreaking research while honoring traditional practices. Papers on Cebuano fishing rituals (paghupay), the use of anting-anting (amulets) by boat builders, and the tuob-tuob ceremonies demonstrate how spiritual and cultural dimensions remain integral to maritime communities today.

International keynote speakers, including Prof. Pierre-Yves Manguin on Southeast Asian maritime culture and Terue Yamauchi on Japanese Ama diving traditions, will contextualize Philippine maritime heritage within broader Asia-Pacific networks, while maintaining focus on local knowledge systems and practices.

Institutional Synergy for Sustainable Impact

The collaboration extends to conference outcomes, with all partner institutions committed to co-developing policy recommendations for maritime heritage preservation; creating a shared multi-stakeholder network for ongoing initiatives; jointly producing educational materials for schools and communities; and establishing collaborative research programs on maritime culture.

Dr. Cynthia N. Zayas of UP’s Center for International Studies notes: “This partnership model shows how institutions can transcend traditional boundaries. When universities, museums, and local governments co-create, we produce events that are simultaneously academically rigorous and culturally transformative.”

The conference aligns with the UN Decade of the Ocean (2021-2030), demonstrating how indigenous knowledge and cultural celebrations can advance sustainable ocean practices while strengthening community identity.

A Cultural Milestone

As the Philippines approaches the 50th anniversary of the Butuan boats discovery in 2026, this conference represents more than scholarly discourse. It’s a cultural milestone that reaffirms maritime heritage as a living, breathing force in contemporary Filipino life.

The staging of “Lawig Balangay” after decades of absence symbolizes this revival. Conference participants and the Butuan community will witness how ancient narratives can speak powerfully to modern audiences, bridging generations through shared maritime heritage.

Registration and Participation

The conference welcomes scholars, cultural practitioners, students, and community members. Limited funding may be available for international participants. The cultural programs, including the Lawig Balangay performance, will be open to the broader Butuan community, ensuring an inclusive celebration of maritime heritage. Register at the conference website (balangay.up.edu.ph) to participate. For more information, email: [email protected] or visit the conference website.