The excavation of Dizon-1 site came at the heels of two previous excavations executed in 1999 and 2001 (see De La Torre 1999, Dizon 2002). In these previous excavations, it was confirmed that the general area of the currenssst Dizon-1 site is within the general area reported in the 1930s (Beyer 1947) and 1950s (Fox 1960a,b) of archaeological deposits recovered in the Porac district. In the previous reports, it was established that the area surely experienced ancient human habitation as seen through an abundance of grave goods excavated from the area of Hacienda Ramona and areas near Babo Balukbuk (Beyer 1947; Fox 1960b). It wasn’t clear though where exactly the people buried in these cemeteries lived, and the characteristics of their settlements.

The two later studies managed to establish that at Babo Balukbuk, now a dedicated agricultural field, there is strong indication of human habitation. The results of the test excavations revealed the presence of materials that supported the conclusion that the place was once inhabited around the general period of 12th century to 17th century A.D.

On the archaeobotanical surveys
Initial work was done in Bakun, Bontok, in the Cordillera with the intention of assessing the possibility for a future excavation directed towards the uncovering of early settlements and rice terrace agriculture. Unfortunately the survey was not promising and archaeobotanically, only ethnographic observations were made of the rice planting cycle.

A preliminary survey was done in Bataraza, Palawan, while a good rockshelter site was located in the area, the archaeobotanical work was not pursued until permits are obtained by this researcher from several environmental and cultural protection organs working in Palawan.

Archaeobotanical work was extensively applied in the excavation of Dizon-1 site, the analysis of the material is still on going.

On the excavation at Babo Balukbuk, Porac
The team was composed of 25 individuals from ASP staff and students, KAPI (The newly formed archaeologists guild) members, National Museum of the Philippines personnel , volunteers from the University and from the general public. A team of 9 locals from Babo Pangulo provided the much needed labour support for the excavation.