Groundbreaking archaeological research has found that the Philippine archipelago played a pivotal role in ancient maritime Southeast Asia as early as 35,000 years ago, with strong evidence pointing to advanced technology, seafaring, and intercultural exchange. In a recently published study, researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with international scholars, presented findings from the Mindoro Archaeology Project that documented early human presence and innovation in Occidental Mindoro, particularly in Ilin Island, San Jose, and Sta. Teresa, Magsaysay. Per researchers, Mindoro, unlike Palawan, was never connected to mainland Southeast Asia by land bridges or ice sheets, meaning the sea crossings were always necessary to reach the island, a condition that likely drove the development of sophisticated maritime technologies.

Santos, J. (2025, June 8). Philippines had advanced maritime culture 35,000 years ago — study. Manila Bulletin, p. 1.