Batanes Celebrates 219th Founding Anniversary
by Malu B. Fabia

Provincial Agro-Industrial Trade Fair. Photo by Sharon Vinalay. Special thanks to Oliver Cariaso

The 219th Batanes Foundation Anniversary was celebrated with the rallying theme, "ONWARD BATANES!" on the 21st to the 26th of June with traditional festivites all done in the spirit of Ivatan cooperativism, unity and artistry.

During the opening ceremonies on June 21st, the annual Palarong Panlalawigan reeled off with the symbolic lighting of the Athletic flame by selected athletes of the six municipalities, and the hoisting of provincial and municipal banners, when flags in varying colors started to wave proudly atop the Oval's high poles.

Miss Georgina Babalo Gabilo of Sabtang was crowned Miss Batanes 2002, while Miss Claire Paula Tan Asa of Basco emerged first runner-up. The selection and coronation was held on the beautiful evening of June 22nd at the Aquino Grandstand.

Other festivities included the launching of the first "Batanes Payuhwan Festival", an agro-industrial trade fair showcasing native products -- agricultural crops, furnitures, wine, vinegar and poultry. The six towns depicted the theme through the areas of provincial concern -- business, education, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, culture and environmental protection in a cultural show during the evening of June 23rd.

The Palaro formally came to a close on the 25th with the Municipality of Sabtang garnering the "Most Disciplined Delegation" award.

Mahatao Elementary School Drum & Lyre Corps. Photo by Sharon Vinalay. Special thanks to Oliver Cariaso

On the 26th, being the 219TH BATANES FOUNDATION DAY, a thanksgiving mass was offered at the Basco Cathedral, followed by a cultural parade which was well-attended by the community folks of the six towns, national and local officials and employees, NGO's and people's organizations. The best cultural float went to the Municipality of Mahatao which exhibited an artistic and meaningful depiction of environmental protection and conservation.

The Guest of Honor and Speaker is Judge Jimmy Henry F. Luczon of the Regional Trial Court who expressed his commitment in continuing to make the wheels of justice turn, especially in putting behind bars the Taiwanese illegal entrants and fishermen who have exploited Batanes waters for many times.

A "salu-salo ng bayan" was the Province's lunch treat, when each and every Ivatan had his share of a hearty Ivatan meal.

What is more important to note in this yearly celebration is that the Ivatans are not only at the best display of their strong civic spirit and commitment to the preservation of treasured cultural values -- but an avenue to establish every Batanes Day as a colorful aspect of our rising tourism industry.

ONWARD BATANES!

[See more photos by Ms. Sharon Vinalay]

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Contributed by Malu B. Fabia
Executive Assistant II/Head of Staff
Office of the Provincial Governor
mlbfabia@yahoo.com