Partido State University (ParSU) has joined with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for the Bicol Archaeological Project (BAP) Field Season 2024, to strengthen international collaboration and student engagement. The Bicol Archaeological Project is a collaborative initiative involving University of California, Los Angeles, the Archdiocese of Caceres, Partido State University, and Local Government Units in Camarines Sur.
The BAP season 2024 ran for 5 weeks from June 26 to July 22, 2024, and included six field sites in the Bicol region: Barangay Binanuahan, Lagonoy; Barangay Binanwaanan, Pili; Binanuahan, Caramoan; Binanuaanan Grande and Binanuaanan Pequeño, Calabanga; and Barangay Binanuahan, Pilar, Sorsogon.
Headed by its Principal Investigator, Dr. Stephen Acabado; Field Supervisor, Earl John Hernandez and the crew for this year's field season, ParSU Faculty member and Museo de Isarog- Director, Karen Eyre Moshie O. Artiaga; ParSU students, Alyssa Jane Celso, Eloizah Reigne Competente, Philip Herrero, Laica Belleza; University of the Philippines- Baguio student, Nica Jean Tanzo; UCLA-graduate, Aidan Choi and, UCLA PhD candidate, Yen Chun Wang.
Under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UCLA, ParSU faculty and students are being trained in multidisciplinary research methodologies. The ParSU faculty and students that participated in the project had the opportunity to look at the technologies used in research such as Geographic Information System (GIS) and other remote sensing methods. Their involvement underscores the MOU's commitment to providing comprehensive research training and fostering international academic collaboration aligning to the university’s mission.
As the field season progresses, the collaborative efforts of ParSU, UCLA, and their partners are expected to yield further studies and foster a deeper understanding of Bicol's historical and cultural legacy. The BAP Field Season 2024 promises to be a transformative experience for all involved, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in the field of archaeology.
