BASCO

Basco (popularly called "Vasay") is the capital of Batanes. It is the most progressive and most populous town of the province. The different branches and agencies of the National Government, in addition to the municipal and provincial government organizations, are located here.

The his history of Basco had its beginnings with the arrival of daring Malay sea rovers who steadily pushed northward up the Philippine archipelago until they reached the emerald isles of Batanes.

The people of Basco lived in little villages scattered all over the municipality. A tribal chief called the "Mangpus", headed each village. The village was governed along democratic ways although the village exercised certain dictatorial powers. Contented life prevailed, but it was sometimes marred by famines, pestilence and tribal wars, which were often very fierce.

During the latter half of the 17th century, an English sea rover, William Dampier, visited the Islands, but finding the climate harsh and the people hostile, he left without making any attempt of colonization.

In 1680, the Catholic Church appointed Fr. Mateo Gonzales, a Spanish friar, Vicar of Batanes. From then on, several attempts were made to bring the Christian gospel to the natives as well as new ways of life. These attempts were marred by hardship and suffering but the missionaries never gave up until the Spanish government joined the church in its efforts to bring new life to the people.

On June 4, 1783, the packet Carmen, together with four smaller vessels under the command of Don Matias Suares, arrived in Basco. In it was an expeditionary force sent by the Spanish Crown to colonize Batanes. As soon as the force landed, Lt. Governor Joaquin del Castillo set about affecting their mission. At the same time that the Catholic faith was brought to the people, the service of government was also brought down upon the people. So responsive were the natives of "Basay", as the Basco region was then called, that on June 26, 1783, the success of the mission was inaugurated by a civic and religious ceremony on the central plain now occupied by the town of Basco.

Later on as the venture progressed, the people from all surrounding areas were either persuaded or brought by force to settle in the poblacion. When the people were all in town, and after the organization of the local government was effected, the settlement of "Basay" was officially given the name of Santo Domingo de Basco, after the patron saint, Santo Domingo de Guzman, and in honor also of the Spanish Captain General Jose Basco y Vargas who conquered the Batanes Islands and was given the royal title of "Count of the Conquest of Batanes" by the king of Spain.

From then on, Spanish flag and the cross of Christendom stood together as guardian of the people of Basco, just like in the other towns of Batanes. Although there were some abuses and hardships during the time, civilization went on and life was a lot different from the secluded existence that obtained prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

On the 16th of September 1898, the Philippine revolutionary forces or so-called Katipunan landed at Ivana. They assaulted the town convent and church. These acts terrorized the whole province, including the capital. The Ivatans joined the Katipuneros. They organized themselves and formally declared allegiance with the revolutionary government. Despite the difficulties encountered by the local patriots, they were able to drive the Spaniards out of the province.

Life under the first Philippine Republic ended with the coming of the American civil and military mission in 1900 to establish the American civil government in the province.

For a time, Basco lost her identity as a town when the whole province was reduced into a single municipality under the province of Cagayan. Later on, the province of Batanes was recognized and, once more, Basco became a municipality and provincial capital. Once again, the Spanish missionaries returned to Batanes to look after the religious needs of the people. From then on, the life of the people improved considerably. Education, health, industry pursuits, social life, economic life, and cultural life along with religious liberties grew brighter. The people were contented. The sanitation steadily improved and epidemics disappeared. Education rose and literacy became the highest in the Philippines.

While the people were calmly going about their usual activities, the Japanese came on December 8, 1941. For four long years of terrible suffering and untold fears, the people groaned under the Japanese flag.

On September 8, 1945, the Americans arrived in Basco to accept the formal surrender of the Imperial Japanese forces. Shortly after the American Navy took the Japanese, Batanes once again breathed the air of relief and freedom.

Today, Basco stands on the northern frontier of the Philippines. The people are hardworking, happy and contented. The culture, social life and ways of living are a harmonious blend of old Ivatan, Spanish, American and Philippine characteristics and traditions.  

MAHATAO

The first name given to Mahatao was San Bartolome, named by the Spaniards in 1783. At that time, it was one of the villages under the chief of Spain now a part of Basco. Later, it was organized as a town under the name of San Carlos in honor of the patron saint, San Carlos Borromeo, an archbishop of Milan. In 1910, it was named Mahatao in honor of the inhabitants who came from a rock island on the northwest coast of this town by the name of Mahatao. The founder Don Pedro Mallao established the town in 1798.

The leading officials during the Spanish regime were mostly capitanes and gobernadorcillos from the rich and strong families who exerted great influence among the people.

The Spaniards were responsible for the building of the church with its massive structure of lime and stone. It was built with free labor under the able leadership of Ignacio Fadri, a gobernadorcillo, under the direction of a friar, Fr. Cresencio. The Dominican convent as built by another friar, Fr. Nicolas Castaño. The rapid conversion of the people to Christianity was remarkable.

The Spaniards also caused the building of four sailing boats (Paraos) that were used to carry native products to Aparri and to bring back products from Luzon that were needed by the locals. Pigs, onions, garlic, among others, were traded in Aparri in exchange for clothing, tools and other needs of daily life.

Upon the arrival of the Katipuneros in Mahatao, the peace-loving people fled to the hills. The Japanese invaded the island on December 8, 1941. The people retreated to the fields and the invaders looted the homes of the people. Cattle, pigs, chickens and labor were sacrificed to the Japanese during the occupation. After the liberation, Mahatao progressed significantly in its physical and economic aspects. Manañoy Hills is considered the most historical site in Mahatao. It was one of the villages inhabited by the town’s bravest leader and ancestor named Odon, a wealthy chief, and his able fighter Napas. Another important site is Mahatao Island from which the present name of this town is derived. 

IVANA

Ivana is one of the six municipalities of the province of Batanes, having four barangays situated 14 kilometers south of Basco, the capital. It is the third town to the south on the island of Batan. This smallest municipality has an area of 1,180 hectares.

It has an interesting history. Some ascribed the origin of the name of Ivana to the Ivatan word "vanga" which means earthen pot. Ivana used to be the manufacturing center or source of earthen pots in Batanes.

During the pre-Spanish period, the houses were found in sporadic places on hills, mountains, plains and caves. The people were heathens and very superstitious. Wars between village tribes and between towns were not infrequent. 

The Spanish conquistadors arrived in Ivana on June 8, 1893. The tribes in different villages were induced to settle in only one place that is now called Ivana. During its 115 years under Spanish rule, Ivana embraced the Catholic religion, had a centralized form of government under Spain. Narrow roads were built connecting with its two neighboring towns. A church, a municipal hall and the bridge between Ivana and San Vicente (a barangay), as well as the bridge in the center of the town were built.

Trade between Ivana and Cagayan was almost regular throughout the year using the native boat called "puntin", which was run by oars and sails. Cattle, hogs, abaca, rope, and tobacco were exported and bartered with rice, lumber and home implements for farming and carpentry. Weaving cloth from cotton was common home industry. Cotton was imported from Itbayat and Luzon. The people studied the 4 R's reading, writing , arithmetic and religion. Ivana had a schoolhouse.

Filipino freedom fighters from Luzon arrived at Ivana aboard a ship on September 16, 1898. The revolutionaries took and imprisoned the Spanish parish priest of Ivana. Some men joined the Katipuneros. The revolutionary government lasted for one and a half years.

The Americans arrived in Batanes in 1900 on the U.S.S. Princeton. Batanes was reduced to a municipality under Cagayan until 1909 when it was returned to its own right as a province. Likewise, Ivana regained its status as a municipality. During the 41 years under the Americans, wider roads and a bigger schoolhouse with two more wing annexes was built. The town hall was reconstructed, the church was improved, and three seaports were widened. More subjects were included in the school curriculum.

On December 8, 1941, the Japanese Armed Forces occupied Ivana. This was the beginning of the Second World War in the Pacific. Commodore Geronimo M. Cabal and Lt. Col. Teofilo Valones, both from Ivana, led the Ivana guerilla fighters against the Japanese. The Japanese massacred 16 Ivaneos for joining the guerilla movement. On September 8, 1945, an American warship took the Japanese soldiers to Manila, ending three and a half years of Japanese occupation of Ivana.
From the Liberation of the Philippines to the present in a period of 30 years, Ivana has had several improvements. More dwellings were built with concrete and galvanized iron sheets for roofing. More children continue their studies in colleges and become professionals. Waves of adventurous Ivaneos left for greener pastures of Mindanao, Palawan and Mindoro. Ivana has a 94.5% literacy rate. It has beautiful spots, reports and picnic grounds in places such as White beach, Vatang and Nakurang.

UYUGAN

Uyugan is the southernmost municipality on the island of Batan. It is 24 kilometers from Basco, the provincial capital. It is bound on the northeastern side by the municipality of Mahatao, on the northwestern side by the municipality of Ivana, on the south by the Balintang Channel and on the eastern by the Pacific Ocean. The municipality comprises the Poblacion (often called Uyugan Centro), barrios of Itbud and Imnajbu, and the sitio of Songsong. The terrain is hilly and rolling except a few small areas of flat lands along the coast. It has an area of 1,550 hectares.

Uyugan means "where the people like a flowing water as they came down from hills settled permanently". It is one the smallest and youngest municipalities in the province. Originally, it was just a barrio of Ivana, the neighboring municipality. It finally became an independent municipality upon the initiative petition of Don Alvaro Gutierrez and other leaders of March 1, 1909.

When Spanish colonizers first arrived in Uyugan, they succeeded in subjugating all the idiangs (hilltop fortresses) on the island, except the idiang of Panao. They negotiated amicable conferences with Panao, but to no avail. This kindled a war between Panao’s men and Spaniards. Because of their inferior arms, Panao and many of his men were killed on top of the idiang they were defending.  With Panao’s death, survivor warriors and their families fearing for their lives hid in different places. After several months, the Spanish conquistadors on the island sent a group of missionaries to contact the scattered people. They befriended the people and convinced them to recognize the laws and become Christians. The people came down from the hills and lived in the lowlands near the coast. The place chosen to be their permanent residence is now called Uyugan.

During the Spanish period, the church was built along with roads that connected the town proper with its barrios. Children were taught the four R’s in school. However, abuses committed by the Spanish rulers such as forced labor without pay, forced tribute and unreasonable punishments, were also prevalent. Discontent among the people led some brave men top join the secret society of Filipino revolutionaries known as the Katipunan. The late Don Eusebio Cabugao was one of the well known veterans of this society.

From the American period to the present, there were several marked improvements in Uyugan. Schoolhouses, the municipal hall, health center, the theaters, sea walls, flood control wall, and bridges were built. Roads to the barrios were macadamized and widened. Seaports were improved. The churches in Itbud and centro were reconstructed.

Uyugan is an agricultural community. Its people are known for their industry and agricultural expertise. Some of them are hired by neighboring towns. The women folk are known for their strength in carrying basketfuls of camote, yam or other root crops on their backs. Camote, yam and tugi are principal crops. Other important crops include garlic, onions, corn ,rice, sugar cane, bananas and watermelons.

Besides agricultural, livestock and poultry raising constitute other major source of income of the people. Most of the best types of cattle exported to Luzon are from Uyugan, especially the barrios of Itbud and Imnajbu. Other cottage industries are involved in making hats, pottery, rope, and native wine.

SABTANG

Three miles west of Batan lies the island of Sabtang, better known in the past by the name Sumnanga. It lies in an eastward direction with a surface area of 32 square kilometers. The terrain is poor, hilly and high, especially towards the center.

Documents, legend and other folk material extant today tell us nothing of the people’s origins. However, racial affinities and the structure of their language make it almost certain that the Isabtangs came from some parts of Batan. Perhaps some fisher folk from Bata, more adventurous or more careless than others, were caught up by the powerful currents and brought over to this island. Unable to return to the mainland, they decided to settle down and begin a new life.

Sabtang’s peculiar geographical location and changeable weather conditions have not hindered the people from the implementation of the program on green revolution, beautification and cleanliness.

Entering the barrios, one could see the changes and improvements made by the people. In spite of the distance and rough roads between barrios, the people of this island work as one to improve the living conditions of the municipality.

The people of Sabtang are hardworking. Their main sources of income are cattle raising, fishing and some cottage industries. Every member of the family works hards and contributes to the family income.

ITBAYAT

Twenty-five miles north of Batan is Itbayat, the largest of the three islands of Batanes. It rises like a forbidden island with its jagged shoreline. It has a continuous massive of wall of cliffs jutting 30 meters above sea level, unbroken throughout its whole perimeter. The island is pitted with wide and deep caverns, some of which bore straight through to another part of the island. Any attempt to cross the distance in puny and frail boats is considered a risky adventure where a man may be in danger of losing limb or life.

Itbayat is the northernmost inhabited island of the Philippines. Its inhabitants speak a different dialect from those on mainland Batan. The people are considered to be of mixed Malayan and Papuan blood. Perhaps, to compensate for its inhospitable approach, it has rich soil. Its principal products are root crops, garlic and cattle, though people sometimes starve after a mighty typhoon washes away all the greens.

In the past, numerous villages or hamlets dotted island’s surface, but the number has shrunk due to constant emigration of the people to other parts of the country.

The laws, customs and beliefs prevailing in Itbayat are quite similar to those that had been in vogue in early Batan. Superstitions are even more bizarre. For instance, Iron smithing was totally was totally unknown in the early days because the locals believe that the operation of a forge was curse with death.

The obedience shown by the natives to their chiefs and rules gave them the initiative to seek the appointment of alcaldes (similar to mayors) to rule over them with the civil obligation of facilitating both the instruction and care of the people. The alcaldes gathered the people into four large villages which, in the course of time, became four districts situated in the best places in the island. These districts are known as Santa Rosa de Carububan, Santa Maria de Marapuy, Santa Lucia de Cachasan and San Rafael de Idjang. As the years passed, the four districts were consolidated into a single town that exists today.

In 1911, during the American regime, complete elementary education was established on the island. Training was very rigid and discipline was greatly emphasized, so mush so that the products of these schools were recognized as quality teachers after reaching only the fourth grade. They were employed as teachers due to the lack of college graduates.

From 1964 to 1965, secondary education was opened. The island had its first high school graduates in 1966-67. The Batanes National High School-Itbayat Branch Building (now Itbayat National Agricultural High School or INAHS) is situated on top of Pudalan Hill overlooking the town. The hill was believed to be a haunted forest where one of the island’s many interesting legends was based.

The island has many plateaus and plains for grazing. Mount Ripused and Mt. Karububan are situated in the south and north, respectively. One peculiar aspect of the town is that it is located in vat-shaped hollow, where only the public buildings and a few private houses are built on the flat bottom part of the vat while the rest of the houses and other structures are built on the hillsides that fan out around the bottom.

Source: Exotic Batanes (Batanes Travel Guide Magazine), 2002 (With prmission from Mrs. Necitas Alconis of Philippine Information Agency)