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Preservation and Site Development of the Kabayan Mummy Caves, Kabayan, Benguet
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January 1, 2022

Program Year: 2011

Grantee: National Museum of the Philippines

Grant Amount: US$20,350

Awarding Agency: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

Project Summary: The Project aimed to conserve 3 mummy burial caves located at Sitio Timbac, Municipality of Kabayan, Benguet, and eventually to develop the area as a potential site for cultural tourism.  Conservation work revolved around 4 main areas: a) photographic and video documentation of 10 mummies and 18 burial coffins in the 3 burial caves; b) conservation planning through the conduct of geological studies and rock analysis, leading to the establishment of a conservation management plan; c) visitors access and site development through the creation of sanctuary and buffer zones, repair and rehabilitation of the 3 caves, improvement of the stairways and provision of handrails at the catwalk; and d) staff training and public education on the maintenance and preservation of the mummies and the burial sites.

Citation: The Kabayan Mummy Caves is listed as a National Cultural Treasure in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Properties.

Status: Completed in May 2012