The Bandillo

Before the local radio station came to Batanes, the Bandillo was the chief medium of information in the province.

Whether it was about a new law or the arrival of a super typhoon, the townspeople would get the news fast and accurate from the town crier who was the main cast of the Bandillo entourage.

As soon as we hear the familiar beating of the drum, those in the vicinity would head for the announcement venue. Little children would get scared, intimidated by the menacing gong, but the youth would be delighted. It was an exciting chance to go out of the house at night (at a time when parents strictly imposed an evening curfew), not just for the news, but perchance to get a glimpse of a crush or a beloved. For there was no better license to venture into the night than for that all-important Bandillo.

The Bandillo group usually made the round around town at about 7:00 in the evening when all families are relaxing after dinner and just as they are getting ready to bed. The group, consisting of the drummer, the person holding the gas light, and the town crier himself would start from the municipio. From there they would move on to the edge of the town towards the other end, the regular cadence of the drum beats indicating their whereabouts. As they neared the usual place of announcement, the drum beats would become increasingly faster, signalling that the Bandillo is about to be done. Half-way to the fast beat, the crowd would have swelled. The drumbeats stop. Then silence follow as the important Bandillo (announcement) is read to the attentive listeners.

Depending on the substance of the news, we the crowd would disperse with shouts of jubilation or move away in silent reflection after hearing the news. Good news would be the likes of distribution of relief goods from some donors like CARE and every family is to send a representative to the distribution center. Bad news would be the onset of a super typhoon with 250 kph with winds and every family must immediately take necessary precautions.

On and on the Bandillo would cover the whole town, and we would hear the sound of the drum going fainter as they move farther away. And the stillness of the night would return to be disturbed only by the barking of the dogs. Such was the prominence of Bandillos in the days of yore. How we who were part of it remember it with fondest and nostalgia-and regret that the younger generation no longer experience the excitement they generated.

With the coming of the radio, television, telephone and internet, the Bandillo has become the sentimental remnant of a bygone era. But the role it played in the lives of all Ivatans for the longest time will never be forgotten. In naming this community paper "Bandillo Batanes", we are somehow perpetuating a part of our past that was vital to our survival as Ivatans-keeping us informed, prepared and united.

The First Bandillos (The following are taken from the book "The Batanes Islands", pp. 27,41-42, written by the late Fr. Julio Gonzales, O. P.)

The first Bandillo in Batanes was made by Don Dionisio de los Reyes, commander of the vessel tasked by the Alcalde of Cagayan and concurrent Governor of Batanes Don Jose Huelva, who was ordered by the Governor-General of the Philippines Don Jose Basco y Vargas, "to prepare and dispatch a vessel with the purpose of ascertaining the will of both the chiefs and the people of the islands relative to the acceptance of the faith".

The ship carrying the group left Aparri on April 12, 1782 and arrived on Batan Island on June 1, 1782. Upon landing, the commander gathered the chiefs and the rest of the population to a meeting where the interpreters read the following message from the Governor-General:

"Chiefs, nobles and people of these islands: Know ye that the Catholic King of Spain and of the oriental and occidental Indies, my Lord and Sovereign, Charles III, whom God keep under His protection, has ordered me to explore and ascertain your will and intention of embracing the Christian religion and receiving the holy water of baptism. For His Majesty was given to understand that you do ardently desire it, as well as to live in a civilized manner under the protection of his sovereign and benign laws, after the manner of the chiefs and other people of the Philippine Islands, who thus enjoy the shelter and protection of the Governor and Captain General, who is now speaking to you, and of the other officials of the King. They likewise enjoy the most desirable tranquillity and possession of their properties and incomes, and what is more, they are able, by means of the previous waters of baptism, to militate as Catholic under the banners of Jesus Christ. If, therefore, you are willing and well-disposed to constitute together with us the body of one nation, I shall most happily come to your aide by sending unto you priests who will instruct you in the dogmas of religion and baptized you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Hols Ghost. Likewise, I make the offer of sending to you a Military and Civil Governors, who will protect you in your differences and watch over the safekeeping and enjoyment immunities and prerogatives granted you by God, who is the benefactor and common dispenser of all the respective graces given to each man in accordance with his natural capability and the place accorded to him in this world. These things that I speak to you, receive them as tokens of the affection, esteem and love which I bear you, and if you agree to my desires, I will, upon receiving your answer, devote myself to the important goal of your welfare with suitable provisions which will clearly evidence the determination with which I shall pursue your happiness and the prosperity of your islands. -Given in Manila, on the 15th of February, 1782