Manila, Feb. 18 -- A comprehensive archaeological initiative is set to begin in three Northern Samar towns, marking the province's first systematic and large-scale archaeological study since the 1960s, officials said Wednesday.

Jay Keenson Acebuche, Northern Samar provincial planning and development officer, said the initial phase of fieldwork and surveys will take place in the towns of Catubig, Mapanas, and Laoang, which were identified as potential archaeological sites.

The initiative follows coordination meetings between Filipino archaeologist Dr. Emil Charles Robles and provincial and local government units in preparation for the 2026 archaeological research program.

"The said initiative is an endeavor to mark the first proper and ...