Echoes of Time: Re-Awakening the Forgotten Prehistory of Samar Island

Emil Charles Robles*, Kate Lim, and Juan Rofes

This paper presents the results of our ongoing research in Samar Island. The largely forgotten archaeological research and discoveries in Samar from the 19th to the 20th centuries are reassessed and expanded with the results of our recent archaeological excavations and explorations on the Island. Preliminary results of our excavations in the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park in Basey, Samar, as well as in Borongan, Eastern Samar, and extensive explorations throughout the island, show the uniqueness and importance of the island in our understanding of Philippine prehistory. This work serves as a scholarly tribute to the late Professor Bong Dizon, whose guidance and expertise were pivotal in the conceptualization and direction of this project, particularly in bridging current discoveries with past archaeological endeavors.