Rediscovering Panay: The Revival of Archaeological Research in Western Visayas, Philippines

Israh Marie D. Dayalo* and Maricyn A. De los Santos

Panay Island has long been recognized as a culturally significant region in the Philippines, yet its archaeological record remains comparatively underexplored. Early discoveries, most notably the Oton Gold Death Mask from Oton, point to the island’s importance in precolonial mortuary practices and sociopolitical complexity; however, sustained and systematic investigations have historically been limited. In recent years, a renewed momentum in archaeological research has emerged through the increasing involvement of multiple institutions, including the National Museum of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, and Ateneo de Manila University. Ongoing initiatives include archaeological surveys, test excavations, and interdisciplinary studies across key locations such as Iloilo, Guimaras and Antique. These efforts aim to reconstruct settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and regional exchange systems, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of past lifeways in central Philippines. The growing participation of academic institutions alongside national agencies reflects a shift toward more collaborative and sustained archaeological practice. This paper examines the current trajectory of archaeological research in Panay Island and argues that this emerging momentum is beginning to address long-standing gaps in the region’s archaeological record while positioning Panay as a critical area for future research in Southeast Asia.