World Bank Funds Batanes Eco-Cultural Project
February 20, 2002 - from PIA Batanes relayed via IFDCI internet service

Batanes avails P6 million fund from the World Bank to put up a Visitor's Center at the Basco Airport Terminal and to finance projects of the Batanes Eco-Cultural Tourism Cooperative.

Ivatan house: One of the many tourist attraction. (photo by Bing & Thierry Charbonney)

An interview with chairman of the BECTC Noli Gabilo on February 7, 2002 revealed that P2.926 million is allotted in managing the Cooperative. Gabilo said the identified initial projects of the Cooperative are the purchase of bicycles for rent for tourists and locals under certain conditions and to rehabilitate two traditional Ivatan houses in Sabtang. Tourists prefer to immerse themselves with Ivatan families to experience our culture rather than being quartered in separate guest house.

Then, the Coop shall form a staff to take care of bookings in Manila and Batanes and if necessary to charter plane for tourists and the riding public. Tourism is a trillion dollar business and would be surefire income generating project in the province.
Homestay owners, RIC, Batanes Farmers and Fishermen Association and the BMPCI are members of the Tourism Council that comprise the Batanes Eco-Cultural Tourism Cooperative. Positions for coop manager and clerk are still open for application. Interested applicants may contact Noli Gabilo, also vice chair of Batanes Tourism Council.

The structure of the Visitor's Center shall feature traditional Ivatan house design where one finds eatery or restaurant of Ivatan foods and adapted menu; one also finds Ivatan arts and craft, some pasalubong (edibles and displayables); photographs of scenic Batanes and our cultural heritage then perhaps a mini-museum. The sketch of the Center has a satellite structure.