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The bosom of the ground reveals a lot of mysteries and rewards for those who dare.

Negros Construction Worker Accidentally Digs 12th Century Treasure Worth P16.8M

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The National Geographic sent three Archeologists to Silay City, Negros Occidental after a local construction worker found a cache of 12th century gold and silver coins, rare gold jewelry, and other artifacts dated more than 2,000 years ago. The treasure was reportedly discovered four months ago, but was only revealed by National Geographic recently.

“Doming” Agravante (not his real first name for security reason), a native of Sitio Estaca was tasked by the Golez clan (one of prominent families in the City) to dig around their unoccupied property for wall construction. Agravante first saw a gold ring after his shovel struck and broke some porcelain two feet below. He continued digging and found several gold and silver coins.

Unable to sleep at night, he reported his findings to the property owner. Mr. Golez immediately went to the site and told Agravante to dig more without the knowledge of local residents.

The Philippine Pride was able to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Agravante, who is now living in Bacolod City.

According to the report released by The National Geographic, the cache was dated back to the Roman Empire. Archeologists are investigating why and how the treasure of such importance was found in the Philippines.

Sitio Estaca is the oldest recorded civilization in the City dating back during 1500s. SilayCity is known for historical sites and landmarks, but this is the first time that treasure of such age was discovered.

Other Archeologists who are not involved in the investigation suggests that the treasure was looted by Mongolian Empire soldiers from Eastern Europe and was brought to China.Silay City is known to be one of the first settlements where ancient Chinese immigrants were living before Spanish colonization.

Mr. Golez, a prominent resident with family members in US asked for help from his American relatives. A niece who happens to work at The National Geographic took care of everything. All finds were sent to the Institution for appraisal and for further studies. The total value of the treasure in today’s currency according to the agency was US$380,431 or 16.8M Philippine Pesos.

Agravante was rewarded with unspecified amount of money and the rest went to Mr. Golez, but he donated 30% back to the Institution.

“We are certain that this is not the only treasure buried in this City. There might be other finds before, but was not reported publicly”, Dr. Denzel Schwartz told local reporters during press conference on Friday.