Butuan in nothern Mindanao is synonymous to the balangays, or the archaeological remains of large open-air wooden boats. The balangay is a testimony to the rich maritime history of the Philippines. These boats are declared National Cultural Treasures, and are considered prehistoric link of the Philippines with the rest of insular Southeast Asia (and beyond).

The excavation sites in Butuan are now under the management of the National Museum, and as mentioned by the museum caretaker, have more artifacts to reveal. In fact, there is more to discover in the city of Butuan, not just in the areas along the river delta (where the balangays were excavated), but also in its nearby hills/mountains.