Key Officials to Visit Ivatans in Mindanao
February 20, 2002 - from PIA Batanes relayed via IFDCI internet service

Congressman Florencio B. Abad and Governor Vicente S. Gato with two SP and municipal mayors left February 19, 2002 for a three-day visit (February 22-24, 2002) in Mindanao upon the invitation of the Association of Ivatans in Mindanao president James Enego, the initiator of the exchange visit. The group shall stop over at the Cagayan de Oro before Malinao, Bukidnon.

Ivatans in Bukidnon. Mrs. Catalina Estorel-Borromeo of Basco (second from left) with her relatives in Bukidnon. All the children have never reached Batanes but they all speak the Ivatan language fluently. (photo by Bing & Thierry Charbonney)

SP Ronald Aguto and Charles Ibanez with municipal mayors of Basco, Mahatao, Ivana Uyugan Sabtang and Itbayat, joining the Congressman and Governor, comprise the entourage / party representing Ivatans here. Exchange visit is expected of the AIM officers and interested members to arrive in Manila in April 2002.

Malinao, Bukidnon, the seat of progressive Ivatans or the community of "wakays" who had established their own industries and livelihood, happens to be the province of Congressman N. Acosta, a close contemporary of Congressman Abad. Rep. Acosta first visited Batanes during the UNESCO workshop in June 2001.