You Can Now Access Palawan’s Underwater Heritage Collection Online for Free—Here’s How

Explore the Breaker Reef underwater heritage collection at no cost!

By: Kriszel T. Rago | January 23, 2025

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Discover Palawan’s underwater heritage through this free online catalog.

Image: National Museum of the Philippines Facebook page (L); National Museum of the Philippines’ The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection Catalog (R)

The National Museum of the Philippines has launched an online catalog showcasing Palawan’s underwater heritage. This new digital resource offers an unprecedented glimpse into the rich history hidden beneath the province’s pristine waters and highlights the significance of preserving the country’s maritime treasures.

Palawan, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant marine biodiversity, is also home to a remarkable underwater heritage. The catalog presents an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from historic shipwrecks scattered across the province's waters. Entitled ‘The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection,’ this catalog is a tribute to one of Palawan's most iconic underwater archaeological sites. These shipwrecks, remnants of trade and exploration, narrate centuries of cultural exchange and seafaring tradition.

The stunning underwater shot highlights an array of ceramics and crafted metals.

Image: National Museum of the Philippines Facebook page

Among the highlights of The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection are brown wares, celadon wares, qingbai wares, and other collections such as lead plates and shreds. These artifacts provide valuable insights into Palawan’s role as a vital link in regional trade routes. Additionally, the catalog features detailed documentation of each artifact, supported by high-resolution images and descriptions that contextualize their historical importance.

Exciting artifacts have been discovered from a sunken vessel excavated at Breaker Reef in Palawan, shedding new light on our maritime history.

Image: National Museum of the Philippines’ The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection Catalog

Among the remarkable discoveries at Breaker Reef were several exquisite small molded vases, highlighting the site's historical significance.

Image: National Museum of the Philippines’ The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection Catalog

The National Museum seeks to promote awareness and appreciation for Palawan heritage by making this catalog available online. It is also an educational tool for researchers, educators, and students worldwide. This initiative is a step forward in safeguarding Palawan's underwater heritage and encouraging collective efforts to protect the province’s cultural and historical resources.

The Breaker Reef Shipwreck Collection catalog can be downloaded for free through this link: bit.ly/TheBreakerReefShipwreckCollection. Through this catalog, the National Museum invites the public to explore and celebrate the stories embedded in the depths of the sea.

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About Kriszel T. Rago

Kriszel is a writer, an aspiring multimedia journalist, and a strong-willed, pierced & inked modern-day kikay tita. As a former iskolar ng bayan–still one at heart, Kriszel is passionate about social issues and everything under the sun. She loves to read, watch documentaries, thriller-mystery series, and anime, cook for her loved ones, and play Valorant & Mobile Legends with friends. Kriszel dreams of being a multiple degree holder and traveling to every province in the Philippines.

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