BATANES DAY FETE ENDS IN A BLAZE OF COLORS
Juliet Cataluna - Correspondent, Philippine Daily Inquirer June 26, 2003

Batanes Provincial Capitol. Photo by BatanesOnline.com

This is how it had virtually turned to as the week-long festivity in observance of the 220th founding anniversary ended in a cultural extravaganza showcasing the Ivatan's local version of bayanihan (payuhwan).

The six municipalities of the province each featured payuhwan in various aspects in community life such as house building, farming, fishing and wedding. Uyugan, the third town from Basco southward on Batan island won the contest it featured house building. The presentation was both realistic and artistic.

Payuhwan is a general term for cooperativism which have become a big factor in the Ivatan survival through the years despite natural calamities.

Mrs. Henedina Abad, Dean of the Ateneo school of government and the wife of the incumbent Representative of the province was the guest of honor.

In her talk, she said "Batanes is no longer a tiny map of the Philippines where one gets to hear about only during weather reports. Rather our province is now the prestine and beautiful paradise that many Filipinos and foreigners include in their must see list".

She explained that the theme payuhwan for this year's celebration "underscores the importance of our link to our past and the preservation of our heritage as Ivatans. She stressed that "one should not forget that these are the cultural practices that have allowed us to survive our harsh environment and emerge with pride and dignity as a province despite isolation. She emphasized to the people that they should never forget that the uniqueness and strengthof our culture won for the province honors and praise not only for the entire country but also from foreign visitors. She warned however that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting our cultural heritage. Development entails building on the richness of this heritage". As a parting word, she called on the people to join hands and work together to make Batanes get listed in the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage site. She said "Imagine a tiny spot on the map being emulated by the rest of the world because it has chosen to take the path of development resting on its cultural heritage". As in past Batanes day celebration, there was also the awarding of recognitions to outstanding public servants, farmers, fishermens and other institutions that have help promote development. Observers say, this was the best attended celebrationin recent years. Thousands of Ivatans and visitors came to watch the culmination program.